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STARLINK-2608 (48365)
COSPAR: 2021-038N | Alt Name: Starlink 2608
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48365
International Designator
2021-038N
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:25:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
169.73°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
97.37°
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-2608
Alternative Name
Starlink 2608
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48365U 21038N 26184.35136005 .00000532 00000-0 28920-4 0 9999
2 48365 53.1585 169.7300 0001492 97.3725 262.7446 15.31711551284959
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink satellite, designated as STARLINK-2608 or Starlink 2608 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-038N), was launched on May 4, 2021, from LC39A at the AFETR launch site using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, indicating likely solar panel deployment. The satellite weighs approximately 260 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it serves a communication mission for its owner SpaceX (SPXS). Its propulsion system utilizes Krypton ion thrusters, and it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape resembles a box with additional panels likely for the solar array setup.
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-L25-13
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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