FAA Grounds Starship V3 for Mishap Probe, X Report 29 May 2026
FAA grounds Starship pending a mishap investigation into the V3 debut flight; return to flight hinges on FAA sign-off. Starlink 10-53 added 29 sats.
STARLINK-2498 (48326)
COSPAR: 2021-036BC | Alt Name: Starlink 2498
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48326
International Designator
2021-036BC
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:28:26 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
282.00°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
85.98°
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-2498
Alternative Name
Starlink 2498
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48326U 21036BC 26184.56141772 .00027036 00000-0 87968-3 0 9998
2 48326 53.1584 282.0012 0000988 85.9799 274.1315 15.31705507285796
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2498 satellite, also known as Starlink 2498, is owned and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on April 29, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. It features a Ku/Ka-band payload (standard on all units) and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters, designed for communication purposes within the 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-L24-52
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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