Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
STARLINK-2354 (47894)
COSPAR: 2021-021AL | Alt Name: Starlink 2354
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 14, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47894
International Designator
2021-021AL
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:57:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.15°
Right Ascension
85.70°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
139.18°
Period
93.77 min
Mean Motion
15.36 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-2354
Alternative Name
Starlink 2354
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47894U 21021AL 26185.12338670 .00080335 00000-0 22754-2 0 9991
2 47894 53.1516 85.6973 0001363 139.1778 220.9327 15.35593017294034
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2354 satellite, also known as Starlink 2354, is a communication spacecraft part of the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 14, 2021, from Launch Pad LC39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, featuring a box shape with a pan design. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries. The dry mass is 248 kg, while the launch mass was 260 kg, equipped with Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.
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-L21-35
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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