STARLINK-2579 (48459)

COSPAR: 2021-040AH | Alt Name: Starlink 2579

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

48459

International Designator

2021-040AH

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:07:45 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

356.21°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

96.08°

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-2579

Alternative Name

Starlink 2579

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48459U 21040AH  26185.17204982  .00002577  00000-0  94754-4 0  9996

2 48459  53.1595 356.2123 0000844  96.0764 264.0334 15.31707669284540

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2579 satellite, also known as Starlink 2579, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 9, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and features optical inter-satellite links (prototypes). With a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering in orbit.

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-L27-32

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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Longitude

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