STARLINK-2523 (48306)

COSPAR: 2021-036AG | Alt Name: Starlink 2523

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 29, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48306

International Designator

2021-036AG

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:27:52 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

279.54°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

84.65°

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-2523

Alternative Name

Starlink 2523

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48306U 21036AG  26184.64435915 -.00001294  00000-0 -29937-4 0  9993

2 48306  53.1594 279.5376 0001110  84.6491 275.4637 15.31697150285821

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The satellite named STARLINK-2523 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-036AG) is a Starlink communication satellite launched by SpaceX on April 29, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and has a span of 9 meters due to its solar arrays. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload equipment (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as box-shaped with an additional pan feature, intended primarily for communication purposes within the Starlink constellation managed by SpaceX.

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

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-L24-32

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

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