X Report 20 Jan 2025
SpaceX continues to push forward with its ambitious plans as the FAA investigates Starship debris reports, while Starlink maintains robust satellite operations.
STARLINK-2478 (48135)
COSPAR: 2021-027AV | Alt Name: Starlink 2478
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48135
International Designator
2021-027AV
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:11:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
346.00°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
106.66°
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-2478
Alternative Name
Starlink 2478
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48135U 21027AV 26185.17433275 -.00000917 00000-0 -17790-4 0 9994
2 48135 53.1613 346.0015 0001446 106.6604 253.4556 15.31703106290322
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2478 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-027AV) is a Starlink satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on April 7, 2021, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters. It weighs approximately 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), the satellite's design includes solar arrays and batteries for power generation, and it uses Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The configuration is described as Box + pan in shape.
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-L23-44
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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