Starlink Powers Air Force One; Pentagon Orders 10,000 Cruise Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief
Starlink confirmed operational aboard Air Force One over Pacific. Pentagon awards 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles to 4 contractors under new LCCMP program.
STARLINK-2591 (48361)
COSPAR: 2021-038J | Alt Name: Starlink 2591
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48361
International Designator
2021-038J
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:49:22 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
177.03°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.39°
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-2591
Alternative Name
Starlink 2591
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48361U 21038J 26184.99261631 .00001398 00000-0 56805-4 0 9993
2 48361 53.1596 177.0301 0001474 83.3944 276.7225 15.31696385284898
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2591 satellite, also known as Starlink 2591, is a communication spacecraft operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 4, 2021, from the LC39A launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 rocket, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes and is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power. It uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Its shape is described as a box with panels, and it serves a communication mission within 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.
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-L25-09
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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