Space Brief 9 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers the U.S. Space Force's new international strategy, Northrop Grumman's Golden Dome project, and ULA's Vulcan launches, alongside military budget priorities.
STARLINK-3277 (50182)
COSPAR: 2021-125AC | Alt Name: Starlink 3277
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50182
International Designator
2021-125AC
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:43:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
10.43°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
103.19°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-3277
Alternative Name
Starlink 3277
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50182U 21125AC 26200.86324247 -.00000244 00000+0 39026-5 0 9998
2 50182 53.1629 10.4298 0000832 103.1880 256.9214 15.31699304256667
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3277 satellite, also known as Starlink 3277, is part of the Starlink group and was launched on December 18, 2021, from Vandenberg Space Force Base (AFWTR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span. The satellite weighs 270 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 4-4-27
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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