Space Brief 8 Apr 2025
Key highlights include the launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut to the ISS, multi-billion dollar contracts awarded by the US Space Force, advancements in secure GPS technology, and a strategic ISR arrangement.
STARLINK-2702 (48441)
COSPAR: 2021-040P | Alt Name: Starlink 2702
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48441
International Designator
2021-040P
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:37:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
358.11°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
95.16°
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-2702
Alternative Name
Starlink 2702
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48441U 21040P 26184.77588567 .00005610 00000-0 19236-3 0 9998
2 48441 53.1581 358.1067 0001792 95.1647 264.9559 15.31710337284462
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2702 is a Starlink satellite launched by SpaceX on May 9, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. It employs Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and has a box-shaped structure with pan features. The primary mission of STARLINK-2702 is to provide communication services as part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation.
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-L27-14
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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