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STARLINK-2509 (48318)
COSPAR: 2021-036AU | Alt Name: Starlink 2509
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48318
International Designator
2021-036AU
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:45:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
280.77°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
77.42°
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-2509
Alternative Name
Starlink 2509
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48318U 21036AU 26184.98996268 -.00000593 00000-0 -73533-5 0 9999
2 48318 53.1591 280.7683 0000576 77.4248 282.6818 15.31703118285846
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2509 satellite, also known as Starlink 2509, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on April 29, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload communications (all), optical inter-satellite links (on prototypes), solar arrays for power generation, batteries, and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its shape consists of a box with an additional pan design. The mission purpose is to provide communication services as part of the broader Starlink network.
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-L24-44
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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