STARLINK-2642 (48437)

COSPAR: 2021-040K | Alt Name: Starlink 2642

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 9, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48437

International Designator

2021-040K

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:16:28 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

10.24°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

89.59°

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-2642

Alternative Name

Starlink 2642

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48437U 21040K   26184.92810680 -.00000138  00000-0  73374-5 0  9990

2 48437  53.1628  10.2366 0001786  89.5902 270.5304 15.31701477284300

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2642 satellite, also known as Starlink 2642 and identified by its OBJECT_ID "2021-040K", was launched on May 9, 2021, from Launch Pad LC40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink constellation and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). This communication satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. The dry mass of the satellite is 248 kg, and it had a launch mass of 260 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters, and it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The shape of the satellite is described as "Box + 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.

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-L27-10

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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