Space Brief 28 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's 250th Starlink mission, a key Senate vote for NASA's next administrator, and insights into satellite missions and movements.
STARLINK-2433 (47841)
COSPAR: 2021-018BG | Alt Name: Starlink 2433
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 11, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47841
International Designator
2021-018BG
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:15:22 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
57.29°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
72.56°
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-2433
Alternative Name
Starlink 2433
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47841U 21018BG 26185.13567171 -.00005552 00000-0 -16739-3 0 9997
2 47841 53.1585 57.2856 0000726 72.5611 287.5469 15.31678708294601
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-2433 satellite (OBJECT_ID: 2021-018BG) is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 11, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters due to its deployment configuration. It weighs 260 kg at launch, with a dry mass of 248 kg, and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its payload includes Ku/Ka-band equipment for communication purposes and optical inter-satellite links (in prototype phase). The satellite employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system to maintain orbital position.
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-L20-55
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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