STARLINK-2517 (48309)

COSPAR: 2021-036AK | Alt Name: Starlink 2517

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

48309

International Designator

2021-036AK

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:13:52 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

268.09°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

90.61°

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-2517

Alternative Name

Starlink 2517

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48309U 21036AK  26184.92629658 -.00001256  00000-0 -28713-4 0  9995

2 48309  53.1588 268.0903 0001154  90.6080 269.5053 15.31696255286029

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2517 satellite, also known as Starlink 2517, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on April 29, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) along with optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, and its launch mass was 260 kilograms. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as motors. The satellite's shape can be described as box-shaped with panels.

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-L24-35

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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