X Report 4 Feb 2025
Canada reconsiders Starlink contract amidst US tariff delays, and new concerns arise over falling space debris.
STARLINK-2685 (48468)
COSPAR: 2021-040AS | Alt Name: Starlink 2685
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48468
International Designator
2021-040AS
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:59:37 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
9.06°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
97.03°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2685
Alternative Name
Starlink 2685
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48468U 21040AS 26185.24973535 -.00000486 00000-0 -39021-5 0 9997
2 48468 53.1610 9.0608 0001623 97.0258 263.0928 15.31698325284360
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2685 satellite, also known as Starlink 2685, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 9, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 via a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it serves as part of the Starlink constellation. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters, featuring a "Box + pan" shape. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Its equipment includes a Ku/Ka-band payload (present on all Starlink satellites) and optical inter-satellite links (found in some prototypes). The satellite's propulsion is provided by Krypton ion thrusters, and its power supply comes from solar arrays and batteries.
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-L27-41
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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