Demystifying the USSPACECOM Two-Line Element Set Format
Discover the history and significance of Two-Line Element Sets (TLEs) in satellite tracking. Dive into their components, applications, and how they are evolving to meet future space challenges.
STARLINK-3197 (49757)
COSPAR: 2021-115AK | Alt Name: Starlink 3197
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49757
International Designator
2021-115AK
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
334.54°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
85.77°
Period
94.47 min
Mean Motion
15.24 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3197
Alternative Name
Starlink 3197
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49757U 21115AK 26185.33336806 .00885990 00000-0 33248-1 0 9996
2 49757 53.1585 334.5433 0001169 85.7688 326.3606 15.24282478 4918
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3197 satellite, also known as Starlink 3197, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on December 2, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 (LC40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a length of 0.2 meters, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 270 kg, with a total launch mass of 290 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and optical inter-satellite link, it also features krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), the satellite's mission is to provide global internet coverage as part of the Starlink Group 4-3-34 constellation.
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 4-3-34
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 12 Dec 2024
SpaceX progresses with Starship developments and sets sights on NASA's upcoming 3D sky-mapping satellite launch.
Space Brief 22 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include ExoMars' successful parachute test, developments in military satellite systems, and leadership changes at NASA Goddard.
The Morning a Supply Ship Tore Open Mir
On 25 June 1997, a seven-ton cargo ship under hand control drifted into Mir's Spektr module, breached the hull, and left three crew members listening to their air hiss into space. It remains the worst collision in the history of human spaceflight.
Starlink Satellite Count Hits 10,168, X Report 5 Apr 2026
Starlink satellite count for April 2026: 10,177 in orbit, 10,168 working from 11,724 launched. No new anomalies, four reentries expected Apr 5-7.
SpaceX IPO Terms Strip Investor Rights | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's reported IPO structure grants Elon Musk unchecked control and forces 220,000-GPU Colossus AI deal into the spotlight.
Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium for $8B, X Report 30 Jun 2026
Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium for $8B to challenge SpaceX, whose Starlink constellation holds 10,706 working satellites of 12,390 launched.
Space Brief 15 Sep 2025
Discover the latest in satellite tracking with key topics covering the launch of Tranche 1 satellites for the Space Development Agency, a record-setting Transporter-15 mission by Exolaunch, and new defense-focused satellite connectivity solutions by Satlink and Rivada.