STARLINK-2488 (48145)

COSPAR: 2021-027BF | Alt Name: Starlink 2488

Image
STARLINK-2488 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 7, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48145

International Designator

2021-027BF

Epoch

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:25:56 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

21.62°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

249.57°

Period

87.74 min

Mean Motion

16.41 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-2488

Alternative Name

Starlink 2488

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48145U 21027BF  26085.26801743  .10215130  12367-4  64275-3 0  9999
2 48145  53.0234  21.6235 0004774 249.5704 110.4830 16.41160134275977

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2488 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-027BF) is a Starlink communication satellite launched by SpaceX on April 7, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links (as part of prototypes) and utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power. Its dry mass is recorded at 248 kilograms while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. It features krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and has a box-shaped body with an additional 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-L23-54

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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