Space Brief 10 Feb 2025
Discover today's key space events: SpaceX's Starlink launch, rocket debris risks, and advancements in nuclear rocket technology.
STARLINK-3279 (50185)
COSPAR: 2021-125AF | Alt Name: Starlink 3279
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 1, 44548
Launch Site
Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
Launch Pad
SLC-4E
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50185
International Designator
2021-125AF
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
13.51°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
99.43°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3279
Alternative Name
Starlink 3279
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SpaceX
Country
United States
Constellation
Starlink
Related Satellites
Major Events
Launched on December 18, 2021, as part of the Starlink Group 4-4 mission.
Latest TLEs
1 50185U 21125AF 26200.83335647 .00019002 00000+0 62270-3 0 9990
2 50185 53.1610 13.5135 0000927 99.4290 323.1614 15.31691277 5845
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3279 is a satellite part of SpaceX's Starlink project, aimed at providing global high-speed internet coverage, particularly in underserved and remote areas. Launched on December 18, 2021, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle as part of the Starlink Group 4-4 mission, this satellite is equipped with five advanced Ku-band phased array antennas and three dual-band (Ka-band and E-band) antennas for high-bandwidth connectivity. It also features three optical inter-satellite links operating at up to 200 Gbps. The satellite has a flat-panel design, weighs 260 kilograms both dry and at launch, and is powered by dual solar arrays and high-capacity batteries. Each Starlink v1.5 satellite uses an efficient argon-fueled ion propulsion system for orbit raising, on-orbit maneuvering, and deorbiting at the end of its approximately five-year operational life. The constellation's mission includes delivering low-latency broadband internet services worldwide, with four reaction wheels providing agile attitude control and ensuring high reliability.
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
9.0
Dry Mass
260
Launch Mass
260
Shape
Flat-panel design
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Silver
Material Composition
Constructed using advanced materials to ensure durability and performance in the space environment.
Technical Details
Payload
The payload consists of high-throughput communication antennas and optical inter-satellite links, facilitating data transmission within the Starlink network.
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Starlink-3279 is part of SpaceX's Starlink project, aimed at providing global high-speed internet coverage, particularly in underserved and remote areas. The satellite contributes to the constellation's mission of delivering low-latency broadband internet services worldwide.
Manufacturer
SpaceX
Life Expectancy
Starlink satellites are designed for an operational lifetime of approximately 5 years, after which they are deorbited to mitigate space debris.
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Starlink v1.5
Motor
Each satellite is equipped with an efficient argon-fueled ion propulsion system, enabling orbit raising, on-orbit maneuvering, and deorbiting at the end of its operational life.
Equipment
Each Starlink v1.5 satellite is equipped with five advanced Ku-band phased array antennas and three dual-band (Ka-band and E-band) antennas to provide high-bandwidth connectivity to Starlink customers. Additionally, they feature three optical inter-satellite links (ISLs) operating at up to 200 Gbps, forming a global internet mesh network.
Power System
The satellite is powered by dual solar arrays and high-capacity batteries, providing energy to its communication payload and subsystems.
ADCS
Four reaction wheels provide agile attitude control, with a hot-spare configuration ensuring high reliability.
Transmitter Frequency
Ku-band, Ka-band, E-band
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Who Owns SpaceX in 2026? Ownership, Valuation, and the Trillion-Dollar IPO
Elon Musk controls 79% of SpaceX's votes with just 42% of the equity - and the company just merged with his AI startup at a $1.25 trillion valuation. Here's who actually owns what, how the money works, and what a $1.75 trillion IPO means for investors.
X Report 4 Aug 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with the launch of 28 Starlink satellites and the final landing of the LZ-1 pad, marking key moments in their ongoing mission to expand satellite connectivity.
X Report 30 Sep 2025
SpaceX gears up for its next Starship flight while recent Falcon 9 missions make headlines with spectacular launches, bringing fresh Starlink satellites into orbit.
X Report 2 Mar 2025
Starship receives FAA approval for its next test flight, while SpaceX prepares to launch more Starlink satellites amidst reaching 5 million subscribers.
NROL-72 Spy Satellites Launched; Starlink PNT Blocked | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's 13th NRO proliferated-arch mission lifted off May 11 as Starlink shuts its GPS-rival feature ahead of a looming IPO.
Space Brief 25 May 2025
Today's brief covers crucial developments in satellite technology and operations, including new Starlink launches, groundbreaking satellite data on flood waves, and pivotal changes in South African telecom policy driven by Starlink.
Space Brief 24 Aug 2024
Blue Origin prepares for New Shepard flight, SpaceX completes second launch tower, Supreme Court ruling impacts space debris regulations, and updates on lunar habitats and NASA personnel. Plus, featuring CAPELLA-13 (ACADIA) as our Satellite of the Day.