X Report 8 Nov 2024
SpaceX makes strides with Starship testing while Starlink faces mounting competition as Viasat eyes Telesat's LEO capacity.
STARLINK-3248 (49748)
COSPAR: 2021-115AA | Alt Name: Starlink 3248
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49748
International Designator
2021-115AA
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:43:56 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
346.97°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
91.70°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 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-3248
Alternative Name
Starlink 3248
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49748U 21115AA 26184.86384405 -.00000660 00000-0 -23382-4 0 9997
2 49748 53.1579 346.9738 0001882 91.6976 268.4231 15.08829036253087
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3248, also known as Starlink 3248, is a communication satellite owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on December 2, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 270 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays paired with batteries for power generation. The satellite reached stability on December 3, 2021, and is part of the Starlink Group 4-3-25 mission, aimed at enhancing global communication services. Its design includes a box shape with extended panels.
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 4-3-25
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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