Space Brief 4 Nov 2024
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STARLINK-2481 (48138)
COSPAR: 2021-027AY | Alt Name: Starlink 2481
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48138
International Designator
2021-027AY
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:50:52 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
345.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
90.09°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2481
Alternative Name
Starlink 2481
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48138U 21027AY 26185.16032762 -.00002778 00000-0 -77785-4 0 9999
2 48138 53.1612 345.8650 0000076 90.0877 270.0133 15.31712741290323
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2481 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-027AY) is a Starlink 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 approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when deployed. The satellite weighs 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), it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays, batteries for power. Its primary purpose is communication as part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation.
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-L23-47
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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