Space Brief 29 May 2025
Today's brief covers a Japanese military satellite launch, new GPS satellite orders by the Space Force, and a Moog propulsion system contract, among other notable developments.
STARLINK-2195 (47772)
COSPAR: 2021-017BC | Alt Name: Starlink 2195
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47772
International Designator
2021-017BC
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:25:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
36.66°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
98.53°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-2195
Alternative Name
Starlink 2195
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47772U 21017BC 26184.89236707 -.00000154 00000-0 67995-5 0 9993
2 47772 53.1622 36.6601 0001458 98.5286 261.5881 15.31700380295461
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2195 is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 4, 2021, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg. Measuring 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, the satellite features a box + pan shape design. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload communication equipment and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes). Solar arrays and batteries provide its power needs, while it uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The mission aims to facilitate global communication services.
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-L17-51
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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