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STARLINK-2559 (48298)
COSPAR: 2021-036Y | Alt Name: Starlink 2559
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48298
International Designator
2021-036Y
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:07:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
252.31°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
350.79°
Period
93.68 min
Mean Motion
15.37 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-2559
Alternative Name
Starlink 2559
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48298U 21036Y 26185.17172352 .00086957 00000-0 23402-2 0 9991
2 48298 53.1558 252.3085 0005406 350.7876 9.3028 15.37135392286272
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2559 satellite, also known as Starlink 2559, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's (SPXS) Starlink constellation. Launched on April 29, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, 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 up to 9 meters due to its solar arrays and other extended components. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite links (on some prototypes), and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's purpose is communication, utilizing solar power and batteries for energy.
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-L24-24
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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