X Report 13 Apr 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites and deploys a new batch of spy satellites for the US government.
STARLINK-2538 (48300)
COSPAR: 2021-036AA | Alt Name: Starlink 2538
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48300
International Designator
2021-036AA
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:53:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
267.24°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
75.55°
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-2538
Alternative Name
Starlink 2538
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48300U 21036AA 26184.95414173 -.00003209 00000-0 -91684-4 0 9990
2 48300 53.1573 267.2363 0000639 75.5510 284.5562 15.31705748286044
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2538 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-036AA) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on April 29, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms with a total launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (in prototype form for some units), solar arrays, batteries for power storage, and Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's shape can be described as box-like 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-L24-26
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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