X Report 26 Dec 2024
Launch of 21 new Starlink satellites, featuring cell phone connectivity, and updates on NASA and SpaceX collaborative missions.
STARLINK-2503 (48151)
COSPAR: 2021-027BM | Alt Name: Starlink 2503
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48151
International Designator
2021-027BM
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:38:25 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
331.01°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
91.57°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2503
Alternative Name
Starlink 2503
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48151U 21027BM 26185.11002080 .00001717 00000-0 67071-4 0 9996
2 48151 53.1594 331.0120 0001410 91.5693 268.5470 15.31706735290525
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2503, also known as Starlink 2503, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX and owned by SPXS. Launched on April 7, 2021, from LC40 at AFETR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms and is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes). Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters, and it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite's shape is described as box + pan and serves the purpose of communication 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.
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-L23-60
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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