Space Brief 3 Jul 2025
Today's coverage includes the cancellation of DARPA's DRACO nuclear propulsion project, global shifts in Earth observation strategy, and new developments in satellite technology and military collaborations.
STARLINK-2471 (48129)
COSPAR: 2021-027AP | Alt Name: Starlink 2471
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48129
International Designator
2021-027AP
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:53:32 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
345.21°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
64.66°
Period
94.02 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2471
Alternative Name
Starlink 2471
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48129U 21027AP 26184.82885046 -.00002013 00000-0 -52778-4 0 9999
2 48129 53.1599 345.2137 0012129 64.6608 295.5649 15.31670138290307
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2471 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-027AP) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX and launched on April 7, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kg and was launched with a total mass of 260 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (present on all Starlink satellites) as well as optical inter-satellite links (on some prototypes), and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's power system includes solar arrays and batteries, contributing to its operational capacity 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.
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-L23-38
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 26 Jan 2025
Spacewalks have resumed on the ISS, while Blue Origin prepares for a unique New Shepard mission. In other news, astronomers push for a ban on space ads and potential budget cuts threaten the JWST.
SpaceX IPO at $1.77T as SDA Faces Consolidation | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX launches Starlink while debuting on Nasdaq at $1.77 trillion valuation. Meanwhile, Senate FY2027 NDAA would dissolve SDA into Space Force, affecting Tranche constellation tracking.
Space Brief 29 Oct 2024
Today's space brief covers an impressive SpaceX launch record, China's upcoming crew mission to its space station, an Intelsat 33e debris observation, and more. Key topics include SpaceX's Starship events, ESA's Hera mission updates, and Boeing's potential space division sale.
Space Brief 1 May 2025
Today's space brief covers NASA's shift to private companies for astronaut rescue, EU's potential collaboration with SES for satellite services, and notable military contract allocations. Plus, a satellite spotlight on LEMUR-2-KADI.
Space Brief 16 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers ULA's new mission for the US Space Force, China's moon rocket test, delays in the DARC radar system, and SpaceX's Starlink launches.
SpaceX Eyes Confidential IPO Filing at $1.75T Valuation | KeepTrack X Report
Reports suggest SpaceX considering confidential IPO filing this March at $1.75T+ valuation. Starship may not fly on NASA's revamped Artemis 3 mission. 25 Starlink sats launched.
Falcon 9 B1067 Targets 36th Flight Record on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX Falcon 9 booster B1067 set for 36th flight Thursday with Starlink 10-42 mission from Cape Canaveral. Long March 10B debuts Friday in China.