Space Brief 1 Jul 2025
Key developments in the space sector include new partnerships for satellite surveillance, strategic shifts from the Defense Department impacting weather forecasting, and the Space Force's focus on agile satellite technologies.
STARLINK-2446 (47844)
COSPAR: 2021-018BK | Alt Name: Starlink 2446
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 11, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47844
International Designator
2021-018BK
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:49:46 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
64.28°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
202.59°
Period
93.89 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2446
Alternative Name
Starlink 2446
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47844U 21018BK 26185.07622904 .00086884 00000-0 26138-2 0 9997
2 47844 53.1596 64.2756 0001422 202.5913 157.5027 15.33656225294515
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2446 satellite, also known as Starlink 2446, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on March 11, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms and is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links on prototype models. Its mission is focused on communication purposes, utilizing solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The spacecraft features krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and has a box plus panel configuration. It operates under the ownership of SpaceX (SPXS) and was manufactured by SPXS to contribute to global internet connectivity efforts.
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-L20-58
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 15 Aug 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with multiple satellite launches and ongoing challenges in rural broadband funding. Noteworthy advances in Starlink capabilities enhance international connectivity.
X Report 8 Nov 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 560th Falcon 9 launch, aiming to deploy 29 Starlink satellites from Kennedy Space Center, while the Bandwagon-4 mission continues to showcase successful rocket landings.
Vulcan Centaur Launches GSSAP Surveillance Satellites for Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA Vulcan Centaur launches USSF-87 with two GSSAP surveillance satellites to near-GEO orbit. NRO expands commercial imaging. Integrate raises $17M for classified platform.
Starlink Update: March 2024
As of March 2024, SpaceX's Starlink has made remarkable strides in its quest to provide global broadband internet access. With an astounding number of satellites already in orbit and ambitious plans for expansion, Starlink is on track to dominate Earth's orbit in the coming years.
Musk Denies SpaceX AI Phone Report; EchoStar Bankruptcy | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX hits 77 Falcon 9 launches in 2026 as EchoStar subsidiaries file Chapter 11 and Musk disputes WSJ AI phone claims.
Space Force Acquisition Workforce Shortfall Threatens Modernization | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force modernization stalls over workforce gaps. Deutsche Telekom targets 2028 for Starlink Mobile V2 across 10 EU nations. Iran ops strain US munition stocks.
Space Brief 17 Dec 2025
Today's stories cover Rocket Lab's innovative DiskSat launch, Digantara's expansion to missile defense, and DARPA's satellite surveillance network expansion, among other updates in military and satellite technology.