Space Brief 15 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-setting Starlink launch, Redwire's contract for USSF, and military satellite developments.
STARLINK-2593 (48404)
COSPAR: 2021-038BD | Alt Name: Starlink 2593
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48404
International Designator
2021-038BD
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:20:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
151.85°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.07°
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-2593
Alternative Name
Starlink 2593
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48404U 21038BD 26184.93058814 .00000694 00000-0 34113-4 0 9998
2 48404 53.1597 151.8492 0001131 92.0736 268.0395 15.31697952285258
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2593 satellite, also known as Starlink 2593 and designated OBJECT_ID 2021-038BD, is part of the Starlink constellation operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on May 4, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Its shape consists of a box with a pan configuration.
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-L25-52
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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