X Report 20 Jan 2025
SpaceX continues to push forward with its ambitious plans as the FAA investigates Starship debris reports, while Starlink maintains robust satellite operations.
STARLINK-2594 (48388)
COSPAR: 2021-038AM | Alt Name: Starlink 2594
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48388
International Designator
2021-038AM
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:33:28 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
163.10°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
79.83°
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-2594
Alternative Name
Starlink 2594
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48388U 21038AM 26185.23158067 .00001499 00000-0 60047-4 0 9993
2 48388 53.1557 163.1009 0001033 79.8312 280.2806 15.31701042285113
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2594 satellite, also known as Starlink 2594 and designated OBJECT_ID 2021-038AM, is a part of the Starlink constellation owned by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on May 4, 2021, from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a configuration described as "Box + pan." It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when its components are extended. The dry mass is 248 kilograms, while the launch mass was 260 kilograms. Its primary mission is communication, utilizing Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (on a few prototypes). Power generation relies on solar arrays and batteries, while it employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.
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-L25-36
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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