STARLINK-2460 (48120)

COSPAR: 2021-027AE | Alt Name: Starlink 2460

Image
STARLINK-2460 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 7, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48120

International Designator

2021-027AE

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 11:19:52 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

344.18°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

264.89°

Period

93.28 min

Mean Motion

15.44 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-2460

Alternative Name

Starlink 2460

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48120U 21027AE  26184.47214046  .00072492  00000-0  15777-2 0  9999
2 48120  53.1595 344.1831 0000609 264.8927  95.2010 15.43668326290295

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2460 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-027AE) is a Starlink communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on April 7, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. The satellite has a launch mass of 260 kg and a dry mass of 248 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, and its primary mission 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.
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-L23-29

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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