Space Brief 19 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's potential government contract, the future of US Space Command headquarters, an auction record for Neil Armstrong's watch, and the volcanic history of Mars.
STARLINK-2513 (48317)
COSPAR: 2021-036AT | Alt Name: Starlink 2513
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48317
International Designator
2021-036AT
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:00:42 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
267.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
98.69°
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-2513
Alternative Name
Starlink 2513
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48317U 21036AT 26184.95882180 .00000632 00000-0 32135-4 0 9996
2 48317 53.1580 267.2247 0001204 98.6865 261.4273 15.31704807286036
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2513, also known as Starlink 2513, is a communication spacecraft belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on April 29, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (AFETR), Launch Complex 40 (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite is propelled by Krypton ion thrusters, and its shape consists of a box structure with a pan design. It operates in space to provide communication services as part of SpaceX's mission to improve global internet connectivity.
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-L24-43
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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