Space Brief 22 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's record year, setbacks in Japanese space endeavors, secure communication advancements in orbit, and more updates on martian expeditions.
STARLINK-2285 (48019)
COSPAR: 2021-024AU | Alt Name: Starlink 2285
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48019
International Designator
2021-024AU
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 02:15:34 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
129.94°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
93.75°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2285
Alternative Name
Starlink 2285
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48019U 21024AU 26184.09415392 .00007073 00000-0 23941-3 0 9994
2 48019 53.1588 129.9434 0000992 93.7473 266.3642 15.31709828292601
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2285 satellite, also known as Starlink 2285, is owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) in the US. Launched on March 24, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has a dry mass of 248 kg and was launched with a total mass of 260 kg. It measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters across. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links on prototypes, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, and it employs 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-L22-43
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 7 May 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with a successful Falcon 9 launch carrying 28 Starlink satellites and receives FAA approval for increased Starship launches, amidst challenges posed by India's new satellite regulations.
Space Brief 29 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers closer military and intelligence space integration, new satellite servicing advancements, and more insightful defense and space news.
X Report 9 Mar 2025
SpaceX reveals plans for Florida Starship launches, NASA teams up for dual missions, and FCC boosts satellite connectivity.
Starlink Debuts Super Bowl Ad, Falcon 9 Preps for Crew-12 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX airs Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions. Falcon 9 completes static fire test for Crew-12 launch on Feb 11. Falcon 9 resumed flights after engine investigation.
Space Force Eyes 1,000 Launches by 2031, New Site Required | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force projects ~1,000 launches between FY2027–FY2031, averaging 200 annually. DAF study concludes new launch site is "probably" required to absorb cadence.
Space Brief 20 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.
SpaceX Eyes $60B Cursor AI Acquisition Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX secured a $60B option to acquire Cursor AI while launching its 40th Falcon 9 mission of 2026, deploying 24 more Starlink satellites from Vandenberg.