Space Brief 20 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, a pivotal delivery to the Space Force, and significant Senate funding for NASA missions.
STARLINK-2686 (48464)
COSPAR: 2021-040AN | Alt Name: Starlink 2686
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48464
International Designator
2021-040AN
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:28:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
11.11°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
35.79°
Period
94.02 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-2686
Alternative Name
Starlink 2686
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48464U 21040AN 26184.77001271 -.00005850 00000-0 -17707-3 0 9994
2 48464 53.1603 11.1130 0002024 35.7869 324.3268 15.31666564284284
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2686 satellite, also known as Starlink 2686, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on May 9, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Its primary mission is communication, utilizing a Ku/Ka-band payload complemented by optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. Power for the satellite comes from solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters. The satellite is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and was manufactured by the same company. Its shape is described as a box with panels, but details such as color, radar cross-section, and specific frequencies used for transmission are not provided in the given data.
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-L27-37
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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