X Report 24 Jan 2025
SpaceX hits a new milestone with 400 rocket landings, beta testing begins for Direct-to-Cell Starlink satellites, and more Starlink launches from California.
STARLINK-3254 (50204)
COSPAR: 2021-125BA | Alt Name: Starlink 3254
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
50204
International Designator
2021-125BA
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
4.54°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
61.98°
Period
94.16 min
Mean Motion
15.29 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-3254
Alternative Name
Starlink 3254
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 50204U 21125BA 26200.83335647 .00033368 00000+0 11644-2 0 9991
2 50204 53.1607 4.5419 0001393 61.9827 248.2704 15.29329534 5787
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-3254 satellite, also known as Starlink 3254, is part of the Starlink group and was launched on December 18, 2021, from Vandenberg Space Force Base's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 270 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 290 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. For maneuvering, it uses Krypton ion thrusters and generates power through solar arrays and batteries. The spacecraft's shape is described as "Box + pan" and its mission is focused on providing communication services. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and owned by the same entity.
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 4-4-49
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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