Space Brief 28 Nov 2024
Today's briefing covers China's announcement of the Beidou system upgrade, launch updates for Vega C, challenges to global GPS reliability, and delays in the VERITAS Venus mission.
STARLINK-2442 (48106)
COSPAR: 2021-027Q | Alt Name: Starlink 2442
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48106
International Designator
2021-027Q
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:21:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
332.42°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
55.24°
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-2442
Alternative Name
Starlink 2442
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48106U 21027Q 26184.80673167 -.00002170 00000-0 -58179-4 0 9996
2 48106 53.1617 332.4168 0000400 55.2421 304.8618 15.31705301290472
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2442 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-027Q) is a Starlink spacecraft manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on April 7, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it operates for communication purposes. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when deployed. It carries a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with an initial mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (some prototypes), it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and is propelled by Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape can be described as a box with a pan configuration, and its mission involves facilitating communication services.
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-L23-15
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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