Space Brief 31 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers significant space events, including milestone national security certifications for ULA Vulcan and Rocket Lab, SpaceX's groundbreaking polar orbit mission, and a failed launch attempt by Isar Aerospace.
STARLINK-2612 (48379)
COSPAR: 2021-038AC | Alt Name: Starlink 2612
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48379
International Designator
2021-038AC
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:40:45 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
163.50°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
101.87°
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-2612
Alternative Name
Starlink 2612
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48379U 21038AC 26185.23663369 .00002089 00000-0 79080-4 0 9992
2 48379 53.1594 163.4993 0001686 101.8696 258.2495 15.31700573285111
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2612 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-038AC) is a Starlink satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity, launched on May 4, 2021, from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR 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's dry mass is 248 kg with a launch mass of 260 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes) for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its shape is described as box-shaped with a pan configuration. The satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters for its motor system and operates in the Starlink V1.0-L25-27 mission dedicated to 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-L25-27
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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