STARLINK-2636 (48357)

COSPAR: 2021-038E | Alt Name: Starlink 2636

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 4, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48357

International Designator

2021-038E

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:25:21 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

175.77°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

94.89°

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-2636

Alternative Name

Starlink 2636

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48357U 21038E   26185.26760537  .00003528  00000-0  12541-3 0  9993

2 48357  53.1578 175.7748 0001328  94.8862 265.2291 15.31701002284942

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-2636 is a Starlink communication satellite launched on May 4, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and had a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's purpose is to provide communication services as part of 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.

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-L25-05

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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Latitude

Longitude

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