Space Brief 20 Aug 2024
Polaris Dawn's upcoming commercial spacewalk, successful lunar orbit by Chinese spacecraft, and more space news including SpaceX's Starlink mission, RFA's static-fire failure, and advances in satellite technology.
STARLINK-2489 (48146)
COSPAR: 2021-027BG | Alt Name: Starlink 2489
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48146
International Designator
2021-027BG
Decay Date
6/8/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2489
Alternative Name
Starlink 2489
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-2489 satellite, also known as Starlink 2489, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on April 7, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) at Launch Complex 40 using a 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 weighs 260 kg at launch with a dry mass of 248 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all), and some prototypes include optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. Power is generated through solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as box plus pan configuration and it was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) for the purpose of providing global communication services.
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-L23-55
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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