STARLINK-3281 (50183)

COSPAR: 2021-125AD | Alt Name: Starlink 3281

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 18, 2021

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

50183

International Designator

2021-125AD

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:22:30 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

15.66°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

109.11°

Period

95.39 min

Mean Motion

15.10 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot

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Starlink bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-3281

Alternative Name

Starlink 3281

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 50183U 21125AD  26200.80730042  .00010379  00000+0  65636-3 0  9990

2 50183  53.1615  15.6571 0000944 109.1067 251.0027 15.09553801256597

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-3281 satellite, also known as Starlink 3281, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on December 18, 2021, from Vandenberg Space Force Base's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, this Starlink satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It weighs about 270 kg dry and had a launch mass of 290 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The mission of STARLINK-3281 is to support SpaceX's broadband internet constellation service.

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 4-4-28

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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