Space Brief 21 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's new rocket-reuse record with a spy satellite launch, Space Force's funding strategies, and a European defense summit addressing security concerns.
STARLINK-2620 (48453)
COSPAR: 2021-040AB | Alt Name: Starlink 2620
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48453
International Designator
2021-040AB
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:27:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
356.09°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
104.69°
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-2620
Alternative Name
Starlink 2620
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48453U 21040AB 26185.18602522 -.00000393 00000-0 -89902-6 0 9990
2 48453 53.1599 356.0878 0000727 104.6891 255.4191 15.31700295284532
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2620 satellite, also known as Starlink 2620, is a communication satellite part of the Starlink constellation owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 9, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 via Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it weighs approximately 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 9 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape can be described as box-shaped with an additional pan structure.
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-L27-26
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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