STARLINK-2516 (48283)

COSPAR: 2021-036H | Alt Name: Starlink 2516

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 29, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48283

International Designator

2021-036H

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:45:18 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

253.31°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

103.63°

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-2516

Alternative Name

Starlink 2516

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48283U 21036H   26185.19812922  .00004119  00000-0  14452-3 0  9997

2 48283  53.1573 253.3062 0001196 103.6269 256.4866 15.31680560286262

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-2516 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on April 29, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 (LC40) aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), and powered by solar arrays and batteries, the satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters for its propulsion system. The purpose of this satellite is to provide communication services as part of SpaceX's larger Starlink mission.

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-L24-09

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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Longitude

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