STARLINK-2563 (48410)

COSPAR: 2021-038BK | Alt Name: Starlink 2563

Image
STARLINK-2563 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 4, 2021

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48410

International Designator

2021-038BK

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:16:24 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

114.60°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

95.25°

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-2563

Alternative Name

Starlink 2563

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48410U 21038BK  26185.17806047  .00001625  00000-0  64107-4 0  9992
2 48410  53.1611 114.6007 0001004  95.2496 264.8621 15.31697252285796

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-2563 satellite, also known as Starlink 2563, is owned by SPXS and was launched on May 4, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink constellation with a configuration designed for communication purposes. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters when deployed. Its dry mass is 248 kg, and it was launched at a total mass of 260 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links for a few prototypes, STARLINK-2563 relies on solar arrays and batteries for power generation and uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Its mission is to provide communication services from space, contributing to the broader Starlink network of satellites aimed at global internet coverage.

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-L25-58

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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