Space Brief 29 Jan 2025
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STARLINK-2418 (48097)
COSPAR: 2021-027F | Alt Name: Starlink 2418
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48097
International Designator
2021-027F
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:24:34 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
331.31°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
98.12°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2418
Alternative Name
Starlink 2418
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48097U 21027F 26185.10039403 .00002253 00000-0 84329-4 0 9994
2 48097 53.1593 331.3084 0000884 98.1224 261.9878 15.31707743290510
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2418 satellite, also known as Starlink 2418, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on April 7, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a bus configuration with dimensions measuring 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and features optical inter-satellite links as part of its prototype configuration. STARLINK-2418 uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays for power generation, and batteries for energy storage. Its primary mission is communication, serving as a component in SpaceX's broader effort to provide global internet coverage through a constellation of satellites.
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-L23-06
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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