X Report 14 Nov 2024
SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 6 as it readies another doubleheader Starlink launch day, while NASA navigates a complex presidential transition.
STARLINK-2550 (48293)
COSPAR: 2021-036T | Alt Name: Starlink 2550
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48293
International Designator
2021-036T
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:42:28 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
254.71°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.23°
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-2550
Alternative Name
Starlink 2550
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48293U 21036T 26184.90449618 -.00000034 00000-0 10649-4 0 9992
2 48293 53.1570 254.7071 0000937 82.2305 277.8803 15.31701065286217
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-2550 satellite, also known as Starlink 2550, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) for communication purposes. It was launched on April 29, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, with an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms. It features a Ku/Ka-band payload suitable for all satellites, along with optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes. Power generation comes from solar arrays supported by batteries. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is shaped like 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-L24-19
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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