Space Brief 30 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include Europe's record space budget for independence, Transporter-15's successful launch of 140 payloads, and the damage to the Baikonur pad affecting upcoming ISS missions.
STARLINK-3285 (50181)
COSPAR: 2021-125AB | Alt Name: Starlink 3285
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50181
International Designator
2021-125AB
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:55:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
13.66°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
85.89°
Period
94.14 min
Mean Motion
15.30 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-3285
Alternative Name
Starlink 3285
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50181U 21125AB 26200.83042535 .00038996 00000+0 13438-2 0 9991
2 50181 53.1618 13.6552 0001122 85.8859 274.2270 15.29664160256582
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3285 is a communication satellite operated by SPXS and part of the Starlink Group 4-4-26 constellation. Launched on December 18, 2021, from AFWTR (SLC4E) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 270 kg with a launch mass of 290 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. STARLINK-3285 utilizes Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus panel shape.
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 4-4-26
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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