STARLINK-2602 (48393)

COSPAR: 2021-038AS | Alt Name: Starlink 2602

DECAYED

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

48393

International Designator

2021-038AS

Decay Date

2/3/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2602

Alternative Name

Starlink 2602

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The satellite STARLINK-2602 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-038AS) is a Starlink communications satellite manufactured by SpaceX and launched on May 4, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Center LC39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links (prototypes). The dry mass is 248 kilograms while the launch mass was 260 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, its primary purpose is communication within SpaceX's constellation network.

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-L25-41

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

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 29 Sep 2025

Today's Space Brief discusses significant military satellite launches, groundbreaking agreements for lunar nuclear power, and Italy's satellite strategy dilemma. Additionally, we cover the Dream Chaser's upcoming demonstration flight and new Pentagon contracts for rocket motor production.

Crew-11 Astronauts Arrive in Houston After Historic ISS Evacuation | KeepTrack X Report

Crew-11 astronauts arrive in Houston following first-ever ISS medical evacuation. Starlink continues robust satellite deployment schedule with ongoing constellation expansion.

Starship Barge Spotted for Component Transport to Kennedy Space Center | KeepTrack X Report

Starship transport barge identified for shipping components from Starbase to Kennedy Space Center. Starlink's 2025 report shows 4.6M new customers and expansion to 35 new regions.

The International Scientific Optical Network (ISON)

How a controversial telescope network has become a significant player in tracking the increasingly crowded orbital environment, raising important questions about transparency, dual-use technologies, and the future of space situational awareness.

Starship Flight 12 Targets May 19 with Redesigned Ship | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship Flight 12 debut, while CRS-34 delivers 6,500 lbs of cargo to ISS aboard a Falcon 9.

DAF Space Restructure Announced Within Days, PAE Leaders Named | KeepTrack Space Brief

Department of Air Force announces finalized Program Acquisition Executive structure within days, reshaping oversight of GPS, SBIRS, and Protected Tactical Satcom systems.

The Day Two Satellites Said Hello at 26,000 Miles Per Hour

Seventeen years ago today, an operational American communications satellite and a dead Russian military relay crossed paths over Siberia. What happened next created more than 2,000 pieces of trackable debris - and fundamentally changed how the world thinks about space traffic.

Pentagon Allocates $8B for Space-Based Moving Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief

Pentagon requests $8 billion for space-based moving target tracking constellation in FY2027 budget. New NORAD IDs expected as Space Force expands orbital ISR capabilities.