STARLINK-2499 (48377)

COSPAR: 2021-038AA | Alt Name: Starlink 2499

Image
STARLINK-2499 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 4, 2021

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48377

International Designator

2021-038AA

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:12:32 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

169.78°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

98.06°

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-2499

Alternative Name

Starlink 2499

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48377U 21038AA  26184.34204132  .00004236  00000-0  14812-3 0  9997
2 48377  53.1591 169.7778 0001190  98.0612 262.0525 15.31712200284948

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-2499 satellite, also known as Starlink 2499, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on May 4, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its equipment includes a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes. The satellite weighs 248 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 260 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It is equipped with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and serves the purpose of communication as part of SpaceX's fleet.

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-L25-25

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

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