X Report 18 Aug 2025
SpaceX's 100th Falcon 9 mission successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites, continuing to expand its broadband constellation.
STARLINK-3143 (49738)
COSPAR: 2021-115Q | Alt Name: Starlink 3143
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49738
International Designator
2021-115Q
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:22:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.22°
Right Ascension
345.78°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
130.26°
Period
95.26 min
Mean Motion
15.12 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-3143
Alternative Name
Starlink 3143
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49738U 21115Q 26185.14028884 .00026105 00000-0 15305-2 0 9998
2 49738 53.2165 345.7790 0001258 130.2617 229.8486 15.11626086253124
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3143 satellite, also known as Starlink 3143, 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. With dimensions measuring 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, the satellite has a dry mass of 270 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and utilizes krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan design, and it operates in space to provide global internet coverage as part of the Starlink Group 4-3-15 mission.
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 4-3-15
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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