Space Brief 5 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers significant advancements in national security space launches, ongoing rocket developments, and critical updates from the space industry.
STARLINK-3286 (50171)
COSPAR: 2021-125R | Alt Name: Starlink 3286
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50171
International Designator
2021-125R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:02:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
10.82°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.69°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-3286
Alternative Name
Starlink 3286
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50171U 21125R 26200.79334382 -.00000057 00000+0 99188-5 0 9996
2 50171 53.1628 10.8195 0001144 88.6911 271.4222 15.31695921256610
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-3286 satellite, also known as Starlink 3286, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on December 18, 2021, from Space Launch Complex 4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 270 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Its shape is described as box plus pan. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 4-4-16 constellation and serves a communication mission for SpaceX.
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 4-4-16
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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