Space Brief 9 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include delayed satellite launches, SpaceX's Florida Starship expansion, a historic mission by Europe's Ariane 6, and NASA's twin missions to explore the ends of the Earth and the universe.
STARLINK-3313 (50157)
COSPAR: 2021-125B | Alt Name: Starlink 3313
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50157
International Designator
2021-125B
Decay Date
11/7/2025
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3313
Alternative Name
Starlink 3313
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-3313 satellite, also known as Starlink 3313, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on December 18, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFWTR), using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 270 kilograms, and it weighs 290 kilograms at launch. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities for communication and optical inter-satellite links. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters, and its shape is described as a box with an additional pan feature. The satellite's primary mission and purpose are communication tasks.
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 4-4-02
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
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