Space Brief 14 Mar 2025
Today’s highlights include new defense initiatives in the U.S., potential strategic shifts in Europe, and the establishment of council to counter security threats.
STARLINK-2448 (48111)
COSPAR: 2021-027V | Alt Name: Starlink 2448
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48111
International Designator
2021-027V
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:57:46 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
328.25°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
139.18°
Period
93.28 min
Mean Motion
15.44 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2448
Alternative Name
Starlink 2448
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48111U 21027V 26185.12344975 .00105665 00000-0 22764-2 0 9990
2 48111 53.1558 328.2540 0000601 139.1753 220.9298 15.43787042290570
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2448 satellite, also known as Starlink 2448, is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on April 7, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans about 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, it also includes optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. Its power source consists of solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system utilizes krypton ion thrusters for orbital maneuvering. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, designed primarily for communication purposes within SpaceX’s Starlink constellation.
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-L23-20
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.
Space Brief 10 Feb 2025
Discover today's key space events: SpaceX's Starlink launch, rocket debris risks, and advancements in nuclear rocket technology.
SpaceX Postpones Falcon Heavy Launch Carrying Secretive X-37B Spaceplane
SpaceX delays the much-anticipated Falcon Heavy launch of the secretive X-37B military spaceplane, marking a significant moment in space exploration and military technology.
SDA Awards $3.5B Tracking Layer Contracts to Lockheed, Rocket Lab | KeepTrack Space Brief
SDA awards $3.5B in contracts for 72 Tracking Layer satellites to Lockheed Martin and Rocket Lab. Terran Orbital selected for satellite bus production. Israel eyes 2026 defense growth.
Pentagon Reveals Space & Cyber "First Mover" Role in Iran Operations | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space & Cyber Command disrupted Iran ops as US munition stockpiles drop. Space Force shifts to commercial ground stations & faces acquisition workforce gaps.
Astroscale Taps Isar for ELSA-M Debris Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
Astroscale selects Isar Aerospace to launch ELSA-M, a commercial deorbit mission targeting defunct satellites in LEO. Over 20,000 trackable debris objects now in orbit.
X Report 19 Jun 2025
Today's report highlights a catastrophic failure during Starship preparations, significant advancements in Starlink services in Ukraine and India, and the successful launch of 28 Starlink satellites.
SpaceX IPO Surges 20% on First Day of Trading | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX shares jumped nearly 20% in its historic public debut, valuing the company partly on Starlink's AI infrastructure potential with 10,636 satellites working.