Space Brief 26 Aug 2025
Today's space news highlights include U.S. military satellite deployments, innovative AI aboard the Chinese space station, and breakthroughs in interplanetary communications.
STARLINK-2435 (47843)
COSPAR: 2021-018BJ | Alt Name: Starlink 2435
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 11, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47843
International Designator
2021-018BJ
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:40:43 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
73.82°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
97.42°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2435
Alternative Name
Starlink 2435
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47843U 21018BJ 26185.06995101 -.00000594 00000-0 -73922-5 0 9999
2 47843 53.1632 73.8229 0001299 97.4186 262.6963 15.31692899294399
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-2435 satellite, also known as Starlink 2435 and designated by NORAD as 47843, was launched on March 11, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and features Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links on prototypes. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when fully deployed. The dry mass of the satellite is 248 kilograms, while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape consists of a box-like structure with panels that deploy upon reaching orbit.
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-L20-57
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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