FAA Grounds Starship V3 for Mishap Probe, X Report 29 May 2026
FAA grounds Starship pending a mishap investigation into the V3 debut flight; return to flight hinges on FAA sign-off. Starlink 10-53 added 29 sats.
STARLINK-2531 (48483)
COSPAR: 2021-040BH | Alt Name: Starlink 2531
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48483
International Designator
2021-040BH
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:04:59 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
13.12°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
73.85°
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-2531
Alternative Name
Starlink 2531
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48483U 21040BH 26184.96180303 -.00000824 00000-0 -14787-4 0 9992
2 48483 53.1597 13.1216 0000848 73.8482 286.2612 15.31702900284273
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2531 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-040BH) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX and launched on May 9, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and has a span of 9 meters due to its solar arrays. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms with an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all), some prototypes also feature optical inter-satellite links for enhanced communication efficiency. It uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and relies on solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, fitting the broader Starlink constellation designed to provide global internet coverage.
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-L27-56
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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