STARLINK-3181 (51461)

COSPAR: 2022-010F | Alt Name: Starlink 3181

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 3, 2022

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

51461

International Designator

2022-010F

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:00:01 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

43.35°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

97.05°

Period

95.30 min

Mean Motion

15.11 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3181

Alternative Name

Starlink 3181

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 51461U 22010F   26201.33335647  .00046224  00000+0  27300-2 0  9998

2 51461  53.1606  43.3472 0003416  97.0532   5.0381 15.11079093  5810

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3181 satellite, also known as Starlink 3181, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on February 3, 2022, from Launch Complex 39A (LC39A) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, featuring a box plus panel configuration. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite has a dry mass of 275 kilograms and a launch mass of 297 kilograms, utilizing krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. It was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and serves the purpose of communication as part of the Starlink Group 4-7-03 payload.

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

275

Launch Mass

297

Shape

Box + pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Starlink Group 4-7-03

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

China Caps Record Year With 92 Orbital Launches, New Reusable Rocket Planned | KeepTrack Space Brief

China hits record 92 orbital launches in 2025. Vandenberg opens new launch site for providers. Former ULA CEO Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin for national security projects.

X Report 18 Dec 2025

SpaceX carried out a double-header Starlink launch from both coasts while milestones from Max Space and Lux Aeterna signal growth in the commercial space sector.

X Report 13 Feb 2025

SpaceX and NASA swap Crew Dragon for Crew-10 mission; exciting 'space jellyfish' phenomena from recent launch.

SpaceX Launches 29 Starlink Satellites From Cape Canaveral | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX deploys 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on the Starlink 6-100 mission. Falcon 9 lifted off at 6:31 p.m. EST continuing SpaceX's dominant satellite internet market position.

SpaceX Launches AST SpaceMobile Block 2 BlueBird Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX launched three Block 2 BlueBird satellites for AST SpaceMobile from Cape Canaveral. Block 2 variants are larger with enhanced capacity compared to Block 1 units already in orbit.

Falcon Heavy Returns | A Six-Ton Bet on Geostationary Broadband

Falcon Heavy flew for the first time in eighteen months on April 29, 2026, expending its center core to push Viasat's final ViaSat-3 satellite toward geostationary orbit. The mission is a flagship rocket doing what only it can still do, for an operator betting six tons of high-throughput hardware on a market Starlink is rapidly redefining.

When Will SpaceX Go Public?

As SpaceX continues to make groundbreaking advancements in the space industry, investors are eagerly anticipating the company's potential IPO. Learn about the factors influencing SpaceX's decision to go public and the estimated timeline for this highly anticipated event.

X Report 5 Aug 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while returning to form with Starship testing at Starbase. Meanwhile, preparations for upcoming launches are underway.