Esrange Spaceport
Europe's bid to break free from the US launch monopoly. How Sweden's Esrange Space Center is transforming access to space, enabling orbital launches, and strengthening strategic independence for the continent.
STARLINK-3297 (50159)
COSPAR: 2021-125D | Alt Name: Starlink 3297
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50159
International Designator
2021-125D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
24.54°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
65.78°
Period
94.16 min
Mean Motion
15.29 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3297
Alternative Name
Starlink 3297
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50159U 21125D 26200.83335647 .00039438 00000+0 13759-2 0 9993
2 50159 53.1596 24.5417 0001772 65.7802 76.1382 15.29258390 5780
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-3297 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-125D) is a part of the Starlink constellation, owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on December 18, 2021, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. Its dry mass is 270 kg and it was launched with a total mass of 290 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link, it also utilizes krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Power generation is achieved through solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape can be described as a box with a pan configuration. It belongs to the Starlink Group 4-4-04 mission for providing 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 4-4-04
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.
The Day a Car Started Its Journey to the Stars
Seven years ago, SpaceX revolutionized spaceflight by launching the most powerful operational rocket in the world, carrying with it a cherry-red Tesla Roadster that captured global imagination
DAF Space Restructure Announced Within Days, PAE Leaders Named | KeepTrack Space Brief
Department of Air Force announces finalized Program Acquisition Executive structure within days, reshaping oversight of GPS, SBIRS, and Protected Tactical Satcom systems.
X Report 1 Jan 2025
SpaceX wraps up a record-breaking year with an impressive launch count, while the Starship program looks to make significant advancements in 2025.
Space Brief 24 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers South Korea's fourth spy satellite launch, potential changes in drone deployment strategies by the US Air Force, and the largest-ever spectrum-sharing demonstration set by the Pentagon.
Block 3 Starship Pad Work Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX engineers are overhauling Starbase launch infrastructure for Block 3 Starships as Falcon 9 prepares another Starlink batch run.
Space Brief 3 Sep 2024
Today's brief covers China's Yaogan-43 satellite launch, delays in ESA's BepiColombo mission, regulatory approval for OHB's KKR deal, and an upcoming Sentinel-2C launch.
Space Brief 2 Oct 2025
Highlighting ExLabs' Space Force contract, Starlink advances, and developments in orbital communication tech.