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-2565 (48280)
COSPAR: 2021-036E | Alt Name: Starlink 2565
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48280
International Designator
2021-036E
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:08:19 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
282.15°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
75.02°
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-2565
Alternative Name
Starlink 2565
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48280U 21036E 26184.54744235 -.00001784 00000-0 -45743-4 0 9998
2 48280 53.1600 282.1518 0001203 75.0191 285.0944 15.31697044285787
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2565 satellite, also known as Starlink 2565, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on April 29, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it belongs to the Starlink constellation. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload with optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation, and Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kilograms, with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration.
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-L24-06
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 4 Jun 2025
Key developments include China's Shijian 26 satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's BAE Systems contract for missile-tracking satellites, and military advancements in space systems.
Space Brief 16 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include ABL Space shifting its focus to missile defense, Intuitive Machines advocating for Artemis infrastructure reforms, and more updates from space and defense sectors.
Space Brief 25 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers significant growth forecasts for global defense satellite communications, the integration of hypersonic missiles, cyber authority expansion in the Army, and more pivotal military developments.
The Day Humanity's First Modular Space Station Reached Orbit
Thirty-nine years ago, a Proton rocket carried the core of the Mir space station into orbit, launching an unprecedented era of continuous human presence in space and international cooperation
Space Brief 18 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force prioritizing military missions, testing new GPS satellite software, and international defense collaborations impacting space assets.
The Pentagon's Mystery Spaceplane Takes Off
On April 22, 2010, an Atlas V lifted off from Cape Canaveral carrying a reusable robotic spaceplane so secret that the Air Force would not even confirm its mission duration. It came back 224 days later, lighter, quieter, and more operational than anyone outside Washington had expected. Fifteen years later, the X-37B is still flying, and the military still will not say what it does.
Space Brief 26 Jul 2025
Today's brief highlights the maiden flight of Blue Origin's Blue Ring spacecraft with a new AI-driven space sensor, debates on asteroid defense responsibilities, and updates on the U.S. Space Force's missile shield leadership.