X Report 22 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Florida, marking another milestone for their ongoing deployment efforts.
STARLINK-2568 (48406)
COSPAR: 2021-038BF | Alt Name: Starlink 2568
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48406
International Designator
2021-038BF
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 07:48:09 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
157.84°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
86.36°
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-2568
Alternative Name
Starlink 2568
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48406U 21038BF 26184.32510771 .00001672 00000-0 65627-4 0 9999
2 48406 53.1600 157.8408 0001338 86.3583 273.7572 15.31704530285119
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2568 satellite, also known as Starlink 2568, is part of the Starlink constellation owned by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on May 4, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 260 kg at launch and 248 kg dry. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload equipment and features optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. Its primary mission is communication, utilizing solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as motors. The shape of the satellite is described as a box with an attached pan.
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-L25-54
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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