Space Brief 26 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers major developments including the introduction of BAHA drones, increased defense spending by Estonia, and consequential announcements on military budgets impacting space-related activities.
STARLINK-2464 (48123)
COSPAR: 2021-027AH | Alt Name: Starlink 2464
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48123
International Designator
2021-027AH
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:58:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
330.89°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
119.40°
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-2464
Alternative Name
Starlink 2464
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48123U 21027AH 26185.12399260 -.00001700 00000-0 -43037-4 0 9995
2 48123 53.1624 330.8937 0000462 119.3999 240.7049 15.31704949290524
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2464 satellite, also known as Starlink 2464, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on April 7, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans about 9 meters. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch and carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries, and it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its shape consists of a box structure combined with a pan configuration, designed to provide global internet coverage as part of the Starlink mission.
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-L23-32
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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