STARLINK-2494 (48487)

COSPAR: 2021-040BM | Alt Name: Starlink 2494

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 9, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48487

International Designator

2021-040BM

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:34:16 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

11.81°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

85.89°

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-2494

Alternative Name

Starlink 2494

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48487U 21040BM  26185.23213762 -.00005906  00000-0 -17885-3 0  9990

2 48487  53.1585  11.8114 0001195  85.8883 274.2255 15.31674333284324

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2494 satellite, also known as Starlink 2494, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 9, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a configuration of Bus type Starlink. It measures 0.2 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes, it uses krypton ion thrusters as motors and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply.

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

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-L27-60

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

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