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STARLINK-2542 (48292)
COSPAR: 2021-036S | Alt Name: Starlink 2542
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48292
International Designator
2021-036S
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:12:07 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
253.10°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
90.47°
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-2542
Alternative Name
Starlink 2542
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48292U 21036S 26185.21674855 .00001836 00000-0 70895-4 0 9998
2 48292 53.1599 253.0963 0000953 90.4740 269.6370 15.31707102286262
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2542 is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation, operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on April 29, 2021, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Krypton ion thrusters for its motor system. The satellite's shape consists of 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-L24-18
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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