Space Brief 18 Feb 2025
Today's briefs cover SpaceX landing a Falcon 9 in The Bahamas, first disabled astronaut prepped for a mission, and key company updates from Blue Origin and K2 Space.
STARLINK-2549 (48314)
COSPAR: 2021-036AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 2549
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48314
International Designator
2021-036AQ
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:38:16 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
271.37°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
94.31°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2549
Alternative Name
Starlink 2549
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48314U 21036AQ 26184.65157665 .00000952 00000-0 42440-4 0 9998
2 48314 53.1590 271.3674 0001060 94.3071 265.8052 15.31700220285943
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2549 satellite, also known as Starlink 2549, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on April 29, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 248 kg dry and had a launch mass of 260 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes, the satellite utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The spacecraft is shaped as a box with a pan configuration and operates under SpaceX's ownership within its Starlink constellation.
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-L24-40
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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