STARLINK-2578 (48362)

COSPAR: 2021-038K | Alt Name: Starlink 2578

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

48362

International Designator

2021-038K

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:38:46 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

175.70°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

95.89°

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-2578

Alternative Name

Starlink 2578

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48362U 21038K   26185.27692150  .00001526  00000-0  60923-4 0  9999

2 48362  53.1573 175.7004 0001192  95.8879 264.2258 15.31695786284949

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-2578 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on May 4, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters, and its shape is described as box + pan configuration. The primary mission of STARLINK-2578 is communication within the Starlink constellation, aiming 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

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-L25-10

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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