Space Brief 2 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers key topics such as SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, the European Space Agency's new initiatives, and Space Force's integration of AI into its operations.
STARLINK-3133 (49416)
COSPAR: 2021-104J | Alt Name: Starlink 3133
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 13, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49416
International Designator
2021-104J
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:12:30 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
66.37°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
93.38°
Period
95.44 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3133
Alternative Name
Starlink 3133
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49416U 21104J 26185.09201647 .00005052 00000-0 33496-3 0 9993
2 49416 53.1614 66.3718 0004443 93.3837 266.7663 15.08875846256208
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3133 is a communication satellite under the Starlink program, operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on November 13, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its dry mass is 270 kg, and its launch mass was 290 kg. STARLINK-3133 uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and maintains its orientation through unspecified attitude determination and control systems (ADCS). The satellite's purpose is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-1-9 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 4-1-9
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.
Starship V3 Targets April 2026 Debut, X Report 20 Mar 2026
Starship V3 targets an April 2026 debut, the ride for next-gen Starlink V3 satellites. Fleet stands at 10,062 working of 11,587 launched.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
The bustling downtown of space: where most satellites operate, communication networks bloom, and the challenges of atmospheric drag and radiation shape our approach to space operations
The Day America's Revolutionary Rocket Design Made Its Final Flight
Twenty years ago, an Atlas rocket carrying a classified payload lifted off from Cape Canaveral, marking the end of a revolutionary spacecraft design that helped launch America into the Space Age
X Report 25 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches multiple Starlink batches, FAA updates for Starship, and NASA plans lunar cargo deliveries involving SpaceX and Blue Origin.
DARPA Robotic GEO Servicer Targeting Summer 2026 Launch | KeepTrack Space Brief
DARPA's robotic satellite servicing mission targets GEO orbit by summer 2026. NASA adds six SpaceX crew missions as Boeing Starliner remains uncertified.
Space Brief 27 Jun 2025
Today's Space Brief covers potential changes in the procurement strategies for the Space Force, developments in missile detection technology, and budgetary impacts on space programs.
X Report 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX faces a setback with a Falcon 9 upper stage reentry issue, while NASA selects SpaceX for a new mission. Starlink expansions continue with multiple satellite launches.