STARLINK-2492 (48149)

COSPAR: 2021-027BK | Alt Name: Starlink 2492

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 7, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48149

International Designator

2021-027BK

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:51:16 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

334.55°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

84.44°

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-2492

Alternative Name

Starlink 2492

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48149U 21027BK  26184.41060350  .00002591  00000-0  95218-4 0  9994

2 48149  53.1607 334.5493 0001507  84.4395 275.6778 15.31710869290405

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2492 satellite, also known as Starlink 2492, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on April 7, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 launch pad aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, indicating the presence of deployable solar arrays or other structures. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it had a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (part of early prototypes), it uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and solar arrays paired with batteries for power supply. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," suggesting a box-like body with additional deployable elements, possibly related to its communication equipment or solar panels.

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

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-L23-58

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

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