Space Brief 26 May 2025
Today's highlights include China's lunar collaboration with Russia, new insights from Magellan's Venus mission, and stunning 8K images of the sun.
STARLINK-2624 (48358)
COSPAR: 2021-038F | Alt Name: Starlink 2624
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48358
International Designator
2021-038F
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:18:37 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
175.75°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
83.61°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2624
Alternative Name
Starlink 2624
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48358U 21038F 26185.26293480 .00002364 00000-0 87918-4 0 9990
2 48358 53.1583 175.7532 0001055 83.6104 276.5018 15.31702657284930
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2624 satellite, also known as Starlink 2624, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on May 4, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it has a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), STARLINK-2624 uses solar arrays and batteries for power and employs Krypton ion thrusters as its motor. The satellite is part of the Starlink V1.0-L25-06 payload configuration and has a box plus pan shape.
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-L25-06
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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