Space Brief 20 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights Globalstar's new military focus, technological innovations in the Army's tactical systems, and a deeper look at key military satellite communications developments.
STARLINK-2386 (47805)
COSPAR: 2021-018U | Alt Name: Starlink 2386
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 11, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47805
International Designator
2021-018U
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:58:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.09°
Right Ascension
62.30°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
133.24°
Period
94.47 min
Mean Motion
15.24 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-2386
Alternative Name
Starlink 2386
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47805U 21018U 26184.95697036 .00013568 00000-0 56043-3 0 9996
2 47805 53.0850 62.2958 0003186 133.2381 226.8882 15.24311487294511
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2386 satellite, also known as Starlink 2386, is a communication satellite owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on March 11, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR), Launch Complex 40 (LC40), 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 with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes and is equipped with krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched at a mass of 260 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan" and its mission purpose is communication.
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-L20-19
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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