Space Brief 3 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers the recent surge in SpaceX launches, Eutelsat's resolution of a OneWeb software issue, and various strategic previews for U.S. military branches in 2025.
STARLINK-3231 (49744)
COSPAR: 2021-115W | Alt Name: Starlink 3231
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49744
International Designator
2021-115W
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:29:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
345.48°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
77.00°
Period
94.16 min
Mean Motion
15.29 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-3231
Alternative Name
Starlink 3231
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49744U 21115W 26184.93725986 -.00005746 00000-0 -18698-3 0 9997
2 49744 53.1586 345.4761 0000800 76.9964 283.1126 15.29351983253107
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-3231 satellite, also known as Starlink 3231, is a communication spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and owned by the same entity. Launched on December 2, 2021, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 270 kg with a launch mass of 290 kg. It features a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission, along with solar arrays and batteries for power. Equipped with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, Starlink-3231 serves as part of the Starlink Group 4-3-21 constellation aimed at providing global communication services.
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 4-3-21
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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