X Report 15 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, while Starship prepares for its ninth test flight next week.
STARLINK-2543 (48278)
COSPAR: 2021-036C | Alt Name: Starlink 2543
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48278
International Designator
2021-036C
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:12:07 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
203.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
75.69°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2543
Alternative Name
Starlink 2543
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48278U 21036C 26185.05008635 .00000945 00000-0 42213-4 0 9994
2 48278 53.1591 203.0140 0001346 75.6871 284.4279 15.31696284286943
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2543 satellite, also known as Starlink 2543, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on April 29, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, it has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all units) and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes for communication purposes. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system, maintaining a box shape design with an additional pan feature.
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-L24-04
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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