Space Brief 14 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking Falcon launches, urgent warnings about orbital collisions, and a doubleheader launch featuring spy and Starlink satellites.
STARLINK-3132 (49457)
COSPAR: 2021-104BB | Alt Name: Starlink 3132
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 13, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49457
International Designator
2021-104BB
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
55.16°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
103.16°
Period
94.94 min
Mean Motion
15.17 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-3132
Alternative Name
Starlink 3132
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49457U 21104BB 26185.33336806 .01206427 00000-0 55752-1 0 9998
2 49457 53.1591 55.1565 0001655 103.1559 113.2217 15.16694178 4855
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3132 satellite, also known as Starlink 3132, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on November 13, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a box-shaped body with solar panels extending to a span of approximately 9 meters. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band communication payloads and optical inter-satellite links for data transfer. Its dry mass is about 270 kilograms, while its launch mass was around 290 kilograms. STARLINK-3132 uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays with batteries for power generation. The primary mission of this satellite is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-1-50 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 4-1-50
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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