Space Brief 18 Nov 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers the deployment of a new optical sensor for the Space Force, SpaceX's recent Starlink satellite launch, and significant investment in space cargo vehicles.
STARLINK-3289 (50173)
COSPAR: 2021-125T | Alt Name: Starlink 3289
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50173
International Designator
2021-125T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:52:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.22°
Right Ascension
2.42°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
67.18°
Period
95.05 min
Mean Motion
15.15 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-3289
Alternative Name
Starlink 3289
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50173U 21125T 26200.78616595 .00011951 00000+0 64700-3 0 9990
2 50173 53.2156 2.4240 0001129 67.1815 292.9299 15.15039482256747
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3289 satellite, also known as Starlink 3289, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on December 18, 2021, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With a dry mass of 270 kilograms and a launch mass of 290 kilograms, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it serves the purpose of communication and operates under the ownership of SPXS within the Starlink Group 4-4-18 payload constellation.
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 4-4-18
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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