X Report 11 Apr 2025
SpaceX postpones a Starlink launch, Bell Canada targets Starlink subsidies, and questions around Elon Musk's involvement in a NASA appointment arise.
STARLINK-3271 (50167)
COSPAR: 2021-125M | Alt Name: Starlink 3271
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50167
International Designator
2021-125M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
24.95°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
117.75°
Period
94.69 min
Mean Motion
15.21 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3271
Alternative Name
Starlink 3271
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50167U 21125M 26200.83335647 .00032414 00000+0 14633-2 0 9991
2 50167 53.1594 24.9534 0001616 117.7460 231.4320 15.20725076 5831
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3271 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on December 18, 2021, from Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 270 kilograms and a launch mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication and optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters. This Starlink satellite operates as part of the Starlink Group 4-4-12 constellation to provide 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 4-4-12
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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