X Report 15 Dec 2025
SpaceX made significant strides in satellite deployment with successful launches of 27 and 29 Starlink satellites, marking both a milestone in landings and ongoing expansion of the Starlink constellation.
STARLINK-2603 (48375)
COSPAR: 2021-038Y | Alt Name: Starlink 2603
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48375
International Designator
2021-038Y
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:19:43 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
169.70°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
89.47°
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-2603
Alternative Name
Starlink 2603
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48375U 21038Y 26184.34703440 .00000061 00000-0 13720-4 0 9991
2 48375 53.1591 169.6993 0001239 89.4727 270.6417 15.31709805284941
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-2603 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-038Y) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on May 4, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Center LC39A pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms and is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes). It uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Manufactured by SpaceX, this satellite was launched to provide communication services.
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-L25-23
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 1 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers an increase in Chinese satellite launches, the operational status of the Space Force's ATLAS software, and a significant fundraising event in the defense sector.
SaxaVord Spaceport
The UK's orbital ambitions rest on a remote Shetland island. How SaxaVord became Europe's first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport - and why, despite being ready for years, it's still waiting for a rocket that works.
X Report 28 Feb 2025
SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.
Musk Confirms Starmind AI Constellation, X Report 24 Jun 2026
Musk confirms Starmind, an AI satellite constellation targeting 1 million orbital compute nodes. Starfall's debut and Dragon's ISS departure follow.
Space Beyond Books SpaceX Rideshare for Memorial Cubesat Mission | KeepTrack X Report
Space Beyond secures SpaceX rideshare launch slot for October 2027 memorial cubesat mission. Starlink constellation at 11,009 total satellites launched with 9,551 currently on orbit.
X Report 27 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for two major Starlink launches, while regulatory challenges slow progress in India.
Space Brief 19 Jun 2025
Discover key developments in space defense and military operations, including new leadership for Space Force's 'Golden Dome,' SpaceX's contract for a military SATCOM network, and increased Israeli-Iranian missile activity.