STARLINK-2486 (48143)

COSPAR: 2021-027BD | Alt Name: Starlink 2486

Image
STARLINK-2486 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 7, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48143

International Designator

2021-027BD

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:17:37 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

276.62°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

319.87°

Period

93.42 min

Mean Motion

15.41 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-2486

Alternative Name

Starlink 2486

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48143U 21027BD  26184.97057416  .00084725  00000-0  19863-2 0  9997
2 48143  53.1555 276.6179 0001128 319.8700  40.2222 15.41373302291276

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2486 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-027BD) is a Starlink communications satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on April 7, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. With a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms, it is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links (as seen in prototypes). The satellite's mission is communication and it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply. It also employs krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The shape of the satellite is described as a box with a 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

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-L23-52

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

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