Space Brief 6 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers secret Space Force payloads monitoring China's satellites, collaborations reducing satellite tracking delays, and new AI projects for military operations.
STARLINK-2491 (48148)
COSPAR: 2021-027BJ | Alt Name: Starlink 2491
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48148
International Designator
2021-027BJ
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 20:27:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
345.26°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
95.03°
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-2491
Alternative Name
Starlink 2491
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48148U 21027BJ 26184.85211078 -.00000560 00000-0 -62602-5 0 9994
2 48148 53.1597 345.2605 0001648 95.0326 265.0864 15.31700945290294
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2491 is a Starlink satellite, officially designated 2021-027BJ, belonging to SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on April 7, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 (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 its components are extended. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms with an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms. Its primary mission and purpose is communication, utilizing a Ku/Ka-band payload for all units and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. It is equipped with krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a pan-like extension.
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-L23-57
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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