Space Brief 26 Nov 2025
Today's update covers new military space initiatives, impacts of drone threats in Europe, and advancements in secure cloud technology for NATO and Ukraine.
STARLINK-2462 (48121)
COSPAR: 2021-027AF | Alt Name: Starlink 2462
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48121
International Designator
2021-027AF
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:22:36 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.15°
Right Ascension
334.69°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
71.29°
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-2462
Alternative Name
Starlink 2462
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48121U 21027AF 26184.80736831 -.00006227 00000-0 -18909-3 0 9994
2 48121 53.1549 334.6910 0001593 71.2904 288.8270 15.31693770290448
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2462 satellite, also known as Starlink 2462, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on April 7, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (LC40) aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when its components are deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band communication payload and optical inter-satellite links, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering in space. The satellite's primary mission is to provide global communication services as part of the Starlink network.
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-L23-30
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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