Space Brief 18 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.
STARLINK-3287 (50172)
COSPAR: 2021-125S | Alt Name: Starlink 3287
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50172
International Designator
2021-125S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
15.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
129.80°
Period
94.90 min
Mean Motion
15.17 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-3287
Alternative Name
Starlink 3287
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50172U 21125S 26200.83335647 .00048887 00000+0 24128-2 0 9998
2 50172 53.1608 15.4614 0000707 129.7997 250.6272 15.17443066 5689
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3287 satellite, also known as Starlink 3287, is a communication spacecraft operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on December 18, 2021, from AFWTR SLC4E 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 a span of 9 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and features optical inter-satellite links. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters, while its power supply comes from solar arrays complemented by batteries. The satellite's shape is described as box + pan, and it belongs to the Starlink Group 4-4-17 mission.
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 4-4-17
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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