STARLINK-2518 (48333)

COSPAR: 2021-036BK | Alt Name: Starlink 2518

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

48333

International Designator

2021-036BK

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:49:23 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

281.48°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

70.35°

Period

94.02 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-2518

Alternative Name

Starlink 2518

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48333U 21036BK  26184.65929672  .00008866  00000-0  29741-3 0  9994

2 48333  53.1575 281.4754 0001310  70.3541 289.7602 15.31667749285812

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2518 satellite, also known as Starlink 2518, is a communication satellite part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on April 29, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg. It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, featuring a shape described as "Box + pan." The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its purpose is to support communication services.

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-L24-59

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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