Space Brief 23 Mar 2025
Discover today's fascinating space events, from exceptional aurora displays to potential exomoon formations, alongside intriguing satellite insights.
STARLINK-2661 (48469)
COSPAR: 2021-040AT | Alt Name: Starlink 2661
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48469
International Designator
2021-040AT
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:52:51 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
8.89°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
90.27°
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-2661
Alternative Name
Starlink 2661
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48469U 21040AT 26185.24504390 .00003634 00000-0 12882-3 0 9997
2 48469 53.1617 8.8923 0000925 90.2700 269.8407 15.31698868284364
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2661 satellite, also known as Starlink 2661, is operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on May 9, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched at a mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, STARLINK-2661 is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation for communication purposes. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and employs krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite features a box plus pan shape and serves to provide global internet connectivity.
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-L27-42
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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