STARLINK-3244 (49741)

COSPAR: 2021-115T | Alt Name: Starlink 3244

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

49741

International Designator

2021-115T

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:19:53 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

344.39°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

74.53°

Period

94.16 min

Mean Motion

15.29 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-3244

Alternative Name

Starlink 3244

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 49741U 21115T   26185.18048047  .00029292  00000-0  10267-2 0  9991

2 49741  53.1627 344.3869 0002312  74.5251 285.6004 15.29251863253142

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3244 satellite, also known as Starlink 3244, is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on December 2, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It is part of the Starlink Group 4-3-18 constellation and was designed to provide internet connectivity services. The dry mass of STARLINK-3244 is 270 kilograms, while its launch mass was 290 kilograms. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and krypton ion thrusters as motors for orbital adjustments.

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 4-3-18

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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Longitude

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