Space Brief 14 May 2025
Today's edition covers China's latest launches in their classified satellite programs, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate on missile defense, and the ever-escalating space debris crisis threatening national security.
STARLINK-2292 (48023)
COSPAR: 2021-024AY | Alt Name: Starlink 2292
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48023
International Designator
2021-024AY
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:05:01 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.12°
Right Ascension
143.58°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
43.47°
Period
93.16 min
Mean Motion
15.46 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2292
Alternative Name
Starlink 2292
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48023U 21024AY 26185.17015860 .00110000 00000-0 22149-2 0 9998
2 48023 53.1159 143.5813 0005503 43.4674 316.6765 15.45742555292559
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-2292 satellite, also known as Starlink 2292 and designated by NORAD as 48023 under OBJECT_ID 2021-024AY, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on March 24, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 via a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, it has a span of 9 meters and a dry mass of 248 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system.
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-L22-47
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 22 Jul 2025
Critical updates from SpaceX include a scrubbed satellite launch and a busy launch schedule for the week, featuring multiple Falcon 9 missions.
X Report 23 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8 amidst Starlink's growing presence in global internet markets.
Space Brief 11 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights key developments in space technology, military space activities, and satellite refueling initiatives. Discover the latest on GEO satellite refueling, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and more.
Space Brief 26 Nov 2024
Today's headlines include new launch schedules, military industrial base challenges, and NASA's exploration of historic Cold War sites. Discover significant space events and satellite insights.
Falcon 9 Shatters Reuse Record With 33rd Flight on Double Launch Day | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches two Falcon 9 rockets in one day carrying Starlink satellites from both coasts. Most-flown booster achieves record 33rd flight. 28 V2 Mini Optimized sats deployed.
Space Brief 5 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the new Space Force operations doctrine, international defense collaborations by the UAE, and satellite tracking technology innovations.
NASA Awards Private Mars Orbiter Contract for 2028 | KeepTrack X Report
A California firm wins NASA's Aeolus Mars orbiter contract, targeting 2028 launch for the first daily global Martian environment measurements.