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STARLINK-3284 (50178)
COSPAR: 2021-125Y | Alt Name: Starlink 3284
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50178
International Designator
2021-125Y
Decay Date
2/5/2026
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3284
Alternative Name
Starlink 3284
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
STARLINK-3284 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on December 18, 2021, from Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters. It had a dry mass of 270 kilograms and weighed 290 kilograms at launch. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is part of the Starlink Group 4-4-23 mission for communication purposes. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters, and it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The shape of the satellite 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.
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 4-4-23
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
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