STARLINK-3218 (49725)

COSPAR: 2021-115B | Alt Name: Starlink 3218

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 2, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

49725

International Designator

2021-115B

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:06:24 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

349.31°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

92.93°

Period

95.44 min

Mean Motion

15.09 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3218

Alternative Name

Starlink 3218

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 49725U 21115B   26184.46278534 -.00000523  00000-0 -14755-4 0  9995

2 49725  53.1633 349.3088 0001423  92.9287 267.1867 15.08834168253014

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-3218 is a Starlink satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on December 2, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters with its solar arrays deployed. It has a dry mass of 270 kilograms and launched with a total mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload communications and optical inter-satellite links, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. The purpose of STARLINK-3218 is communication as part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation.

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

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 4-3-2

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

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