Space Brief 22 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include ExoMars' successful parachute test, developments in military satellite systems, and leadership changes at NASA Goddard.
STARLINK-2166 (48558)
COSPAR: 2021-041F | Alt Name: Starlink 2166
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48558
International Designator
2021-041F
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:21:29 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
305.43°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.29°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2166
Alternative Name
Starlink 2166
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48558U 21041F 26185.05658884 -.00003206 00000-0 -91564-4 0 9996
2 48558 53.1567 305.4338 0001560 88.2936 271.8245 15.31709365282240
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-2166 satellite, also known as Starlink 2166, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 15, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, it was deployed using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters when fully extended. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms with a total launch mass of 260 kilograms. It features a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries, while it uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's structure consists of a box shape with a pan configuration.
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-L26-06
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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