Space Brief 23 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Long March 12A's first launch, a major advance in space radio communication, and highlights from key military developments impacting space operations.
STARLINK-2582 (48460)
COSPAR: 2021-040AJ | Alt Name: Starlink 2582
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48460
International Designator
2021-040AJ
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.05°
Right Ascension
274.05°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
342.96°
Period
90.78 min
Mean Motion
15.86 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-2582
Alternative Name
Starlink 2582
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48460U 21040AJ 26185.33336806 .00218739 00000-0 84026-3 0 9996
2 48460 53.0458 274.0453 0005830 342.9632 331.0059 15.86239214 5062
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-2582 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-040AJ) is a Starlink communication satellite launched on May 9, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 260 kilograms at launch and its dry mass is 248 kilograms. It features a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and a box + pan shape design, the satellite operates in low Earth orbit for communication purposes and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS).
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-L27-33
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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