STARLINK-2428 (48099)

COSPAR: 2021-027H | Alt Name: Starlink 2428

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 7, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48099

International Designator

2021-027H

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:24:01 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

345.99°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

87.46°

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-2428

Alternative Name

Starlink 2428

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48099U 21027H   26185.14168918  .00001124  00000-0  47979-4 0  9990

2 48099  53.1614 345.9867 0001138  87.4566 272.6566 15.31708594290315

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2428 satellite, also known as Starlink 2428, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on April 7, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when deployed. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. With a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its primary mission is communication.

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

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-L23-08

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

Blue Origin Targets New Glenn Return Before Year-End After Pad Explosion | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin aiming for 2nd New Glenn launch by end of 2026 after LC-36 pad explosion at Cape Canaveral. Repair timeline still unclear; mission critical for national security payloads.

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.

X Report 16 May 2025

Today's brief highlights the launch of United Airlines' Starlink Wi-Fi on passenger flights, updates on Starship development, and SpaceX's push to position Starlink as a GPS alternative in recent FCC discussions.

Space Brief 9 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's successful 2025 kick-off launch, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, and a significant military satellite contract competition.

Space Brief 3 Jun 2025

Today's highlights include China's remote-sensing satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's investment in missile-tracking satellites, and NASA's MAVEN milestone on Mars.

Crew-11 Astronauts Arrive in Houston After Historic ISS Evacuation | KeepTrack X Report

Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Houston following first-ever ISS medical evacuation. Starlink continues robust satellite deployment schedule with ongoing constellation expansion.

Space Brief 4 Dec 2024

Today's brief covers significant advancements in materials technology for space applications, a U.S. Navy contract for rocket production facilities, and NATO's upcoming classified cloud system.

Starship Launch Site Construction Advances at Kennedy Space Center | KeepTrack X Report

Starship launch site construction progresses at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Elon Musk trolls Ryanair after budget airline refuses to install Starlink on its fleet.