STARLINK-3291 (50175)

COSPAR: 2021-125V | Alt Name: Starlink 3291

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 18, 2021

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

50175

International Designator

2021-125V

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

15.49°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

116.73°

Period

94.98 min

Mean Motion

15.16 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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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3291

Alternative Name

Starlink 3291

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 50175U 21125V   26200.83335647  .00047781  00000+0  24464-2 0  9996

2 50175  53.1610  15.4855 0002254 116.7266 192.1040 15.16164237  5835

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3291 satellite, also known as Starlink 3291, is a communication spacecraft operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on December 18, 2021, from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC4E) at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is approximately 270 kg, and it weighed 290 kg at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, STARLINK-3291 uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration.

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

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 4-4-20

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

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Longitude

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