STARLINK-2587 (48399)

COSPAR: 2021-038AY | Alt Name: Starlink 2587

Image
STARLINK-2587 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 4, 2021

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48399

International Designator

2021-038AY

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:42:34 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

150.51°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

89.00°

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-2587

Alternative Name

Starlink 2587

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48399U 21038AY  26185.19623536  .00002640  00000-0  96792-4 0  9993
2 48399  53.1568 150.5113 0001090  89.0010 271.1116 15.31702925286502

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2587 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-038AY) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on May 4, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a configuration of Box + pan with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. It is equipped with krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays, and batteries for power. The launch mass was 260 kg while the dry mass is noted at 248 kg.

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-L25-47

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

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