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STARLINK-2497 (48455)
COSPAR: 2021-040AD | Alt Name: Starlink 2497
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48455
International Designator
2021-040AD
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:54:46 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
356.28°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
95.12°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2497
Alternative Name
Starlink 2497
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48455U 21040AD 26185.20470366 .00000497 00000-0 27771-4 0 9991
2 48455 53.1624 356.2849 0001369 95.1207 264.9950 15.31700481284525
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2497 is a Starlink satellite launched on May 9, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Launch Pad LC40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) with a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's primary mission is communication as part of SpaceX's broader Starlink constellation project.
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-L27-28
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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