STARLINK-2457 (48321)

COSPAR: 2021-036AX | Alt Name: Starlink 2457

Image
STARLINK-2457 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 29, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48321

International Designator

2021-036AX

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:27:40 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

278.87°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

86.16°

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-2457

Alternative Name

Starlink 2457

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48321U 21036AX  26185.22755680  .00004141  00000-0  14510-3 0  9991
2 48321  53.1593 278.8677 0001332  86.1642 273.9512 15.31708346285896

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-2457 satellite, also known as Starlink 2457, was launched on April 29, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and has dimensions including a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. The dry mass of the spacecraft is 248 kilograms while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. Power for STARLINK-2457 comes from solar arrays and batteries, and it employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Its shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, and it serves communication purposes.

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-L24-47

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

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