Space Brief 12 May 2025
Today's brief covers key industry movements in space logistics and satellite production, including Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's strides in GPS technology, and more.
STARLINK-2630 (48381)
COSPAR: 2021-038AE | Alt Name: Starlink 2630
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48381
International Designator
2021-038AE
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 04:24:26 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
171.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
97.30°
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-2630
Alternative Name
Starlink 2630
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48381U 21038AE 26184.18363741 .00001367 00000-0 55770-4 0 9997
2 48381 53.1596 171.0085 0001182 97.2980 262.8156 15.31718465284919
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2630 satellite, also known as Starlink 2630, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation designed for communication purposes. Launched on May 4, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Center LC39A launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, it measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters with solar arrays. The satellite weighs 260 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 248 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and some prototypes have optical inter-satellite links. Its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters, and power generation comes from solar arrays supplemented by batteries. The satellite's shape can be described as box-like with a pan configuration.
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-L25-29
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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