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STARLINK-2640 (48438)
COSPAR: 2021-040L | Alt Name: Starlink 2640
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48438
International Designator
2021-040L
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:14:30 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
356.24°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
211.11°
Period
94.02 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-2640
Alternative Name
Starlink 2640
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48438U 21040L 26185.17673957 .00034668 00000-0 11290-2 0 9993
2 48438 53.1620 356.2408 0001530 211.1124 148.9787 15.31549381284520
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2640 is a communication satellite part of the Starlink constellation, owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 9, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, utilizing solar arrays and batteries for power. Its propulsion system consists of krypton ion thrusters.
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-L27-11
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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