X Report 22 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched the U.S. Space Force's eighth X-37B spaceplane mission while preparing for an upcoming Starship launch. Meanwhile, the company continues to expand its Starlink satellite constellation.
STARLINK-3261 (50193)
COSPAR: 2021-125AP | Alt Name: Starlink 3261
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50193
International Designator
2021-125AP
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
4.57°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
44.47°
Period
94.16 min
Mean Motion
15.29 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-3261
Alternative Name
Starlink 3261
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50193U 21125AP 26200.83335647 .00037627 00000+0 13102-2 0 9991
2 50193 53.1584 4.5733 0000824 44.4678 349.7905 15.29343704 5836
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3261 is a communication satellite from the Starlink series, owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on December 18, 2021, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 270 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 290 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link, it also features krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and relies on solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 4-4-38 constellation and serves to enhance global internet connectivity.
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 4-4-38
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Wins $178.5M Space Force Contract, X Report 3 Apr 2026
SpaceX secured a $178.5M Space Force contract to launch missile-tracking satellites from 2027, backing the Missile Track Custody threat-tracking layer.
Space Brief 10 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers increased Space Force funding, a renewed focus on nuclear power in space, a proposed US missile defense system, new defense budget revelations, and NATO's call for increased air defenses.
Pentagon Gives Anthropic Friday Deadline on AI Policy, Vulcan Still Grounded | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon gives Anthropic Friday deadline to loosen military AI policy. Space Force keeps Vulcan grounded over booster issue. Funding boost speeds missile-tracking satellites.
Space Brief 22 Sep 2025
Today's edition highlights the operational deployment of HawkEye 360's Cluster 12, Shandong's record satellite launch, Planet Labs' latest imaging achievements, SpaceX's Starlink launches, and more.
Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.
Space Brief 4 Aug 2025
Key developments in space today include significant satellite launches, advancements in space technology, and an exciting crewed suborbital flight. Highlights cover China's satellite internet progress, a promising innovation for solar cells, and recent SpaceX and Blue Origin activities.
Space Brief 25 Sep 2025
Discover the latest developments in space defense, innovative satellite technologies, nuclear advancements in space travel, and strategic military updates.