Space Brief 26 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers a new Space Force contract for advanced tracking systems, innovative debris removal strategies, pivotal new satellite launches, and significant updates in air quality tracking from orbit.
STARLINK-1958 (47559)
COSPAR: 2021-009M | Alt Name: Starlink 1958
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47559
International Designator
2021-009M
Epoch
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:44:51 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.01°
Right Ascension
153.04°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
263.75°
Period
87.63 min
Mean Motion
16.43 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
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1958
Alternative Name
Starlink 1958
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47559U 21009M 26173.40615201 .09606978 12440-4 39744-3 0 9990
2 47559 53.0146 153.0447 0007192 263.7484 96.2744 16.43251478298235
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink satellite, designated STARLINK-1958 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-009M), was launched on February 4, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters and weighs approximately 260 kilograms at launch. It was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and is designed for communication purposes, equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. Its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters and it generates power through solar arrays and batteries. The satellite has a box shape with additional panels and is owned by SpaceX.
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
248
Launch Mass
260
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink V1.0-L18-12
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes)
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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