X Report 21 Feb 2025
SpaceX's Falcon 9 achieves another milestone with successful international launch; Elon Musk discusses the future of the ISS; SpaceX prepares for its 450th Falcon launch.
STARLINK-2455 (48117)
COSPAR: 2021-027AB | Alt Name: Starlink 2455
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48117
International Designator
2021-027AB
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:51:20 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
330.79°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
96.78°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2455
Alternative Name
Starlink 2455
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48117U 21027AB 26185.11898505 .00000110 00000-0 15300-4 0 9997
2 48117 53.1615 330.7876 0000902 96.7760 263.3344 15.31702918290524
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2455 satellite, also known as Starlink 2455, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation and was launched by SpaceX on April 7, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Its primary purpose is to provide 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-L23-26
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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