Space Brief 15 May 2025
Today's brief highlights a nuclear battery startup's funding boost, advisory board additions in the space sector, and key military updates impacting space operations.
STARLINK-3240 (49728)
COSPAR: 2021-115E | Alt Name: Starlink 3240
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49728
International Designator
2021-115E
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
354.59°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
95.74°
Period
94.38 min
Mean Motion
15.26 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3240
Alternative Name
Starlink 3240
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49728U 21115E 26185.33336806 .00802976 00000-0 28649-1 0 9996
2 49728 53.1626 354.5932 0001143 95.7440 181.5087 15.25807753 5765
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3240, also known as Starlink 3240, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on December 2, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (AFETR) at Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has a dry mass of 270 kg and a launch mass of 290 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its structure measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when deployed. Power generation comes from solar arrays and batteries. The satellite was part of the Starlink Group 4-3-5 mission and has a box plus pan shape design.
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 4-3-5
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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