STARLINK-2628 (48359)

COSPAR: 2021-038G | Alt Name: Starlink 2628

Image
STARLINK-2628 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 4, 2021

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48359

International Designator

2021-038G

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:03:29 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

180.22°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

88.69°

Period

94.01 min

Mean Motion

15.32 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2628

Alternative Name

Starlink 2628

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48359U 21038G   26184.37742843  .00003358  00000-0  11988-3 0  9991
2 48359  53.1587 180.2239 0001391  88.6948 271.4213 15.31714572284798

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-2628 satellite, also known as Starlink 2628, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 4, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch and 248 kilograms dry mass. Its equipment includes Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is equipped with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is part of the Starlink constellation designed to provide global internet coverage.

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-L25-07

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
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

NRO Adds 3 New Partners to Commercial Imaging Program | KeepTrack Space Brief

NRO Adds 3 New Partners to Commercial Imaging Program | KeepTrack Space Brief

NRO expands commercial imaging with HEO, SatVu, and Sierra Nevada. ChatGPT rolls out to 3 million military users via GenAI.mil. C-130J deliveries paused.

Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Hotfire Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief

Blue Origin lost New Glenn during static fire testing at Launch Complex 36. Vehicle sustained serious damage in anomaly. NASA Artemis timeline impacts possible.

Space Force Acquisition Workforce Shortfall Threatens Modernization | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Acquisition Workforce Shortfall Threatens Modernization | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force modernization stalls over workforce gaps. Deutsche Telekom targets 2028 for Starlink Mobile V2 across 10 EU nations. Iran ops strain US munition stocks.

SDA Awards $3.5B Tracking Layer Contracts to Lockheed, Rocket Lab | KeepTrack Space Brief

SDA Awards $3.5B Tracking Layer Contracts to Lockheed, Rocket Lab | KeepTrack Space Brief

SDA awards $3.5B in contracts for 72 Tracking Layer satellites to Lockheed Martin and Rocket Lab. Terran Orbital selected for satellite bus production. Israel eyes 2026 defense growth.

X Report 26 Jul 2025

X Report 26 Jul 2025

This week's SpaceX developments include notable upcoming missions, with a Starlink launch on the horizon and Crew Dragon's readiness for the next astronaut mission.

X Report 7 Jun 2025

X Report 7 Jun 2025

SpaceX successfully launched the SXM-10 satellite for SiriusXM and prepares for the Ax-4 mission to the ISS amid political tensions involving Elon Musk and President Trump.

Space Force Opens Secret Tracking Data to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Opens Secret Tracking Data to Commercial Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force shares classified tracking data with commercial firms. Falcon 9 reentry linked to upper-atmosphere lithium plume. SpaceX launches 54 Starlink sats in one day.

X Report 2 Apr 2025

X Report 2 Apr 2025

SpaceX's Fram2 mission marks a historic first in polar orbit travel, while DARPA unexpectedly detects Falcon 9 reentry using atmospheric listening.