Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report
A second Starlink satellite malfunction in just over three months has generated on-orbit debris, raising fresh questions about SpaceX's 10,151-strong working constellation.
STARLINK-3238 (49734)
COSPAR: 2021-115L | Alt Name: Starlink 3238
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49734
International Designator
2021-115L
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:04:49 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
344.51°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
82.67°
Period
94.16 min
Mean Motion
15.29 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3238
Alternative Name
Starlink 3238
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49734U 21115L 26185.17002014 .00015105 00000-0 53500-3 0 9992
2 49734 53.1610 344.5064 0001284 82.6669 277.4477 15.29339514253137
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3238 satellite, also known as Starlink 3238, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on December 2, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters, with a dry mass of 270 kilograms and a launch mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, along with krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as box-shaped with a pan configuration.
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 4-3-11
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 16 Jun 2025
SpaceX progresses with plans for Starship launches from a ULA site while continuing its Starlink expansion. New satellite tracking update enhances user engagement.
X Report 28 May 2025
Today marks significant milestones and setbacks for SpaceX as Starship Flight 9 completes a historic launch but ultimately suffers a loss of control. Additionally, a successful Starlink deployment continues to expand global internet coverage.
Space Force Opens Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Pads to New Launch Providers | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force issues call for launch providers at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. Vandenberg opens Space Launch Complex 14 bidding with Feb 12 deadline. Electra pitches hybrid aircraft to Pentagon.
Amazon vs SpaceX and the Battle for the Best Satellite Internet Service
SpaceX and Amazon Are Playing for Keeps to Control Satellite Broadband and Connect the World. But Is There Room for Both in the Orbit?
Space Brief 29 Nov 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a Soyuz launch mishap that damaged Baikonur pad, Varda Space's AFRL test flights, ION vehicles aboard SpaceX Transporter-15, and more.
X Report 22 Jan 2025
SpaceX marks a successful launch of 21 Starlink satellites, follows up after Starship explosion, and influences Qantas flights amid a busy operational schedule.
Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.