X Report 22 Dec 2024
SpaceX successfully launches two rideshare missions to mid-inclination orbits, expanding their satellite deployment capabilities.
STARLINK-3249 (49730)
COSPAR: 2021-115G | Alt Name: Starlink 3249
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49730
International Designator
2021-115G
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
354.94°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
74.59°
Period
94.55 min
Mean Motion
15.23 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-3249
Alternative Name
Starlink 3249
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49730U 21115G 26185.33336806 .00107463 00000-0 44638-2 0 9995
2 49730 53.1591 354.9364 0000918 74.5918 322.9490 15.22972473 5810
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3249 satellite, also known as Starlink 3249, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on December 2, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 270 kilograms and was designed for communication purposes, carrying Ku/Ka-band payload equipment and an optical inter-satellite link. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters, and it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. It became stable in orbit on December 3, 2021.
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 4-3-7
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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