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Expansion of national security capabilities with new services, shifts in Pentagon priorities, challenges in zero trust compliance, and more.
STARLINK-2658 (48473)
COSPAR: 2021-040AX | Alt Name: Starlink 2658
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48473
International Designator
2021-040AX
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:39:25 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
8.76°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
74.23°
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-2658
Alternative Name
Starlink 2658
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48473U 21040AX 26185.23570987 .00014896 00000-0 49072-3 0 9999
2 48473 53.1600 8.7579 0001359 74.2308 285.8843 15.31706561284356
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2658 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on May 9, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its extended solar arrays. It carries a dry mass of 248 kilograms and had a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all), it includes optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes for enhanced connectivity. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries, and its propulsion system utilizes 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.
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-L27-46
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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