STARLINK-2606 (48386)

COSPAR: 2021-038AK | Alt Name: Starlink 2606

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

48386

International Designator

2021-038AK

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:10:57 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

164.55°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

84.50°

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-2606

Alternative Name

Starlink 2606

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48386U 21038AK  26184.96594408  .00008119  00000-0  27303-3 0  9996

2 48386  53.1568 164.5544 0001054  84.5024 275.6098 15.31709179285062

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2606 satellite, also known as Starlink 2606 and designated by NORAD as CAT ID 48386, is part of the Starlink constellation managed by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 4, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it weighs approximately 260 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 248 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters due to its deployed configuration. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes, using solar arrays and batteries as power sources. Its propulsion system relies on krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan attachment, aimed at providing internet connectivity as part of its mission objectives.

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-L25-34

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

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Latitude

Longitude

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