STARLINK-2588 (48398)

COSPAR: 2021-038AX | Alt Name: Starlink 2588

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

48398

International Designator

2021-038AX

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:04:34 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.07°

Right Ascension

170.35°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

86.92°

Period

94.64 min

Mean Motion

15.22 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-2588

Alternative Name

Starlink 2588

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48398U 21038AX  26184.33650669  .00042413  00000-0  18637-2 0  9996

2 48398  53.0672 170.3532 0004316  86.9210 273.2279 15.21515496286139

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2588 satellite, also known as Starlink 2588, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink constellation. It was launched on May 4, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (in prototypes), it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite is stabilized using krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering 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

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-L25-46

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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Longitude

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