X Report 29 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up 2024 with successful Starlink and Astranis launches, while reflecting on a monumental year for the Starship program.
STARLINK-2557 (48299)
COSPAR: 2021-036Z | Alt Name: Starlink 2557
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48299
International Designator
2021-036Z
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:51:59 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
253.25°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
55.56°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2557
Alternative Name
Starlink 2557
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48299U 21036Z 26185.20277430 .00002939 00000-0 10641-3 0 9999
2 48299 53.1569 253.2541 0000908 55.5629 304.5458 15.31710233286263
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2557 satellite, also known as Starlink 2557, is operated by SpaceX and was launched on April 29, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch and 248 kilograms dry, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and carries a Ku/Ka-band payload, with some prototypes also featuring optical inter-satellite links. Its mission is to provide communication services using krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.
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-L24-25
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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