Space Brief 30 Sep 2025
Today's briefing covers China's rapid satellite launch activities, new Pentagon contracts for rocket motors, the Dream Chaser spaceplane's upcoming flight, and more.
STARLINK-2380 (47799)
COSPAR: 2021-018N | Alt Name: Starlink 2380
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 11, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47799
International Designator
2021-018N
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:38:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
50.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
102.75°
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-2380
Alternative Name
Starlink 2380
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47799U 21018N 26185.02686606 -.00001058 00000-0 -22338-4 0 9992
2 47799 53.1599 50.8726 0001215 102.7533 257.3605 15.31701017294681
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-2380 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-018N) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on March 11, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 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 carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes and is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it weighs 260 kilograms at launch. Starlink-2380 uses Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration.
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-L20-13
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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