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STARLINK-2566 (48287)
COSPAR: 2021-036M | Alt Name: Starlink 2566
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48287
International Designator
2021-036M
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:33:13 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
255.59°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
79.53°
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-2566
Alternative Name
Starlink 2566
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48287U 21036M 26185.23140756 .00001134 00000-0 48292-4 0 9999
2 48287 53.1572 255.5898 0001022 79.5303 280.5813 15.31706851286222
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2566 satellite, also known as Starlink 2566 and designated OBJECT_ID 2021-036M, was launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on April 29, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite is part of the Starlink constellation and has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes and is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The dry mass of the satellite is 248 kilograms, while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. STARLINK-2566 uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and serves a communication mission as part of SpaceX's broader internet service goals.
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-L24-13
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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