Space Brief 17 Jun 2025
Today's space brief covers key developments in satellite monitoring, U.K. defense contracts, and critical licensing reforms supporting national security.
STARLINK-3113 (49735)
COSPAR: 2021-115M | Alt Name: Starlink 3113
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49735
International Designator
2021-115M
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
354.64°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
106.48°
Period
94.51 min
Mean Motion
15.24 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-3113
Alternative Name
Starlink 3113
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49735U 21115M 26185.33336806 .00798964 00000-0 30354-1 0 9991
2 49735 53.1601 354.6406 0001015 106.4778 46.0646 15.23709875 4854
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3113 satellite, also known as Starlink 3113 and part of the Starlink Group 4-3-12 payload, was launched on December 2, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 270 kg dry, with a total launch mass of 290 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters to maintain its orbital position.
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 4-3-12
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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