STARLINK-2480 (48137)

COSPAR: 2021-027AX | Alt Name: Starlink 2480

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 7, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48137

International Designator

2021-027AX

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:32:43 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

333.71°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

126.30°

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-2480

Alternative Name

Starlink 2480

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48137U 21027AX  26185.10605552  .00000400  00000-0  24630-4 0  9994

2 48137  53.1577 333.7083 0000495 126.2971 233.8076 15.31702569290476

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2480 satellite, also known as Starlink 2480, is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation launched by SpaceX on April 7, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The spacecraft has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as box plus pan configuration.

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

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-L23-46

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

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