Space Brief 24 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include the successes and setbacks in recent rocket launches, a notable satellite anomaly, and a significant expansion announcement from ESA.
STARLINK-3201 (49771)
COSPAR: 2021-115AZ | Alt Name: Starlink 3201
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 2, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
49771
International Designator
2021-115AZ
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
334.55°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
85.73°
Period
94.55 min
Mean Motion
15.23 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3201
Alternative Name
Starlink 3201
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 49771U 21115AZ 26185.33336806 .00119051 00000-0 49362-2 0 9995
2 49771 53.1599 334.5549 0000957 85.7289 20.9108 15.22969794 4902
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3201 satellite, also known as Starlink 3201, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on December 2, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Launch Complex 40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a dry mass of 270 kg and a launch mass of 290 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when deployed. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission is focused on communication purposes within the Starlink Group 4-3-48 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 4-3-48
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.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin lost New Glenn during static fire testing at Launch Complex 36. Vehicle sustained serious damage in anomaly. NASA Artemis timeline impacts possible.
SpaceX IPO Surges 20%; China Debuts Tallest Rocket | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX shares jump 20% on first trading day after historic IPO. China launches tallest rocket while LandSpace preps second landing attempt. Tracking data.
Starship V3 Flight 12 Succeeds Despite Engine Shutdown | KeepTrack X Report
Starship V3 completed Flight 12 on May 22 despite one vacuum Raptor shutting down early, with SpaceX's IPO filing revealing bold Starlink Mobile ambitions.
X Report 12 Feb 2025
SpaceX swaps Crew Dragon capsules with NASA to accelerate Crew-10 launch, and successfully launches multiple Starlink satellites into orbit.
Space Brief 13 Mar 2025
Today's space brief highlights intriguing military satellite developments, new space launch strategies to counteract observation threats, and potential European defense industry advancements.
Space Brief 27 Dec 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.
Space Brief 4 Jun 2025
Key developments include China's Shijian 26 satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's BAE Systems contract for missile-tracking satellites, and military advancements in space systems.