STARLINK-2526 (48378)

COSPAR: 2021-038AB | Alt Name: Starlink 2526

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

48378

International Designator

2021-038AB

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:54:12 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

165.92°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

73.78°

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-2526

Alternative Name

Starlink 2526

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48378U 21038AB  26185.20430964  .00001134  00000-0  48311-4 0  9994

2 48378  53.1599 165.9231 0001539  73.7848 286.3323 15.31699404285077

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-2526 is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation, operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on May 4, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering in orbit.

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-L25-26

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

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