STARLINK-2459 (48119)

COSPAR: 2021-027AD | Alt Name: Starlink 2459

Image
STARLINK-2459 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 7, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48119

International Designator

2021-027AD

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:51:47 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

330.71°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

109.78°

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-2459

Alternative Name

Starlink 2459

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48119U 21027AD  26185.11929465 -.00006866  00000-0 -20965-3 0  9997
2 48119  53.1617 330.7130 0000370 109.7836 250.3205 15.31708447290513

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-2459 satellite, also known as Starlink 2459, is a communication satellite under the ownership and manufacture of SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on April 7, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links in prototype form, and its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans up to 9 meters when fully extended. Its power supply is provided by solar arrays and batteries.

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-L23-28

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

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