SpaceX Resumes Falcon 9 Launches After Investigating Upper Stage Anomaly
SpaceX successfully returns to flight with a Starlink mission, detailing the cause of the July 11 anomaly and implementing fixes to prevent future incidents.
STARLINK-3156 (49458)
COSPAR: 2021-104BC | Alt Name: Starlink 3156
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 13, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49458
International Designator
2021-104BC
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:45:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
56.27°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
101.47°
Period
95.41 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3156
Alternative Name
Starlink 3156
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49458U 21104BC 26185.11467944 .00048876 00000-0 30371-2 0 9995
2 49458 53.1614 56.2739 0001291 101.4650 258.6487 15.09208392256354
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-3156 satellite, also known as Starlink 3156, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on November 13, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 270 kg, with a launch mass of 290 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. Its mission involves communication purposes and employs krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
270
Launch Mass
290
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 4-1-51
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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