X Report 24 Dec 2024
SpaceX advances with Bandwagon-2 mission, gains approval for Starship Flight 7, and continues Starlink expansion.
STARLINK-3255 (50201)
COSPAR: 2021-125AX | Alt Name: Starlink 3255
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50201
International Designator
2021-125AX
Epoch
Wed, 03 Jun 2026 05:08:20 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.17°
Right Ascension
64.67°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
257.77°
Period
87.56 min
Mean Motion
16.45 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-3255
Alternative Name
Starlink 3255
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50201U 21125AX 26154.21412794 .09384798 12454-4 30067-3 0 9994
2 50201 53.1708 64.6717 0006095 257.7681 102.2687 16.44504582251756
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-3255 is a communication satellite under the Starlink series operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on December 18, 2021, from SLC4E at AFWTR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 270 kg and was launched with a mass of 290 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Additionally, it employs Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Its mission is to enhance global communication services as part of the Starlink Group 4-4-46 constellation.
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 4-4-46
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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