STARLINK-2501 (48330)

COSPAR: 2021-036BG | Alt Name: Starlink 2501

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 29, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48330

International Designator

2021-036BG

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:19:06 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

280.47°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

79.77°

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-2501

Alternative Name

Starlink 2501

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48330U 21036BG  26184.97160741  .00010249  00000-0  34155-3 0  9993

2 48330  53.1582 280.4651 0001050  79.7721 280.3398 15.31701893285858

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-2501, also known as Starlink 2501, is a communication satellite owned by SPXS and part of the Starlink constellation. It was launched on April 29, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It was equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kg, and its launch mass was 260 kg. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and krypton ion thrusters as propulsion systems. The satellite has a box plus pan shape but does not have specific details provided regarding its mission timeline or major events.

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

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-L24-56

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

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Longitude

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