STARLINK-2520 (48281)

COSPAR: 2021-036F | Alt Name: Starlink 2520
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-2520 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 29, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48281

International Designator

2021-036F

Decay Date

1/19/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2520

Alternative Name

Starlink 2520

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The STARLINK-2520 satellite, also known as Starlink 2520, is a communication spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on April 29, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 (LC40) aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch and 248 kilograms dry mass. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (few prototypes), and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The spacecraft has a box-shaped body with 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.
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-L24-07

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Eyes Asteroid Mining, Clashes With Congress on R-GPS | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force sees strategic value in asteroid mining. Congress pushes back on R-GPS phase-out over jamming risks. BlackSky expands Gen 3 defense contracts.

B1067 Flies Record 36th Mission on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report

B1067 Flies Record 36th Mission on Starlink 10-42 | KeepTrack X Report

Booster B1067 sets a new Falcon 9 reuse record on its 36th flight, lifting Starlink 10-42 from Cape Canaveral at 5:25 a.m. EDT.

Space Brief 1 Dec 2024

Space Brief 1 Dec 2024

Today's highlights: China's Long March 12 boosts lunar ambitions, SpaceX supports NRO's satellite infrastructure, Firefly prepares lunar mission, and NASA partners with SpaceX for Titan exploration.

Space Brief 2 Sep 2025

Space Brief 2 Sep 2025

Today's brief covers key topics such as SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, the European Space Agency's new initiatives, and Space Force's integration of AI into its operations.

ULA Launches 29 Amazon Kuiper Satellites; Falcon Heavy Returns | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA Launches 29 Amazon Kuiper Satellites; Falcon Heavy Returns | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA's Atlas V deployed 29 Amazon Kuiper LEO satellites on April 27. Falcon Heavy returns this week with ViaSat-3 F3. Six orbital launches scheduled across three continents.

X Report 6 Feb 2025

X Report 6 Feb 2025

SpaceX prepares for a new cargo-return mission with Atmos, deploys imaging satellites, and gears up for Axiom-4 private astronaut launch.

Space Brief 2 Nov 2025

Space Brief 2 Nov 2025

Today's briefing covers India's military communications satellite launch, SpaceX's Starlink mission milestone, Latvia's agreement to the Artemis Accords, and more significant updates in space technology and satellite launches.

X Report 25 Feb 2025

X Report 25 Feb 2025

SpaceX has completed the investigation into Starship Flight 7, announcing causes ahead of the next planned launch, while numerous missions are lined up for launch this week.