Space Brief 4 Jul 2025
Explore today's key space events including China's satellite launch, ULA's Vulcan rocket preparations, significant budget bills from Congress, and discussions on lunar business prospects.
STARLINK-2145 (48555)
COSPAR: 2021-041C | Alt Name: Starlink 2145
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48555
International Designator
2021-041C
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:25:35 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
329.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.59°
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-2145
Alternative Name
Starlink 2145
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48555U 21041C 26184.64276957 -.00002529 00000-0 -69762-4 0 9996
2 48555 53.1623 329.4646 0001053 92.5866 267.5256 15.31699223282712
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2145 satellite, also known as Starlink 2145, is a communication satellite part of the Starlink constellation manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 15, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, indicating the deployment of solar arrays or antennas. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kilograms and a dry mass of 248 kilograms, suggesting it carries batteries for power storage alongside its solar arrays. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes, enabling high-speed data transmission. Its propulsion system consists of Krypton ion thrusters. No major events or specific orbital details beyond the launch date are provided in the dataset.
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-L26-03
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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