STARLINK-2188 (48563)

COSPAR: 2021-041L | Alt Name: Starlink 2188

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 15, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48563

International Designator

2021-041L

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:01:21 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

305.38°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

89.33°

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-2188

Alternative Name

Starlink 2188

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48563U 21041L   26185.04260540 -.00005472  00000-0 -16482-3 0  9991

2 48563  53.1566 305.3835 0000777  89.3269 270.7822 15.31679073283103

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2188 satellite, also known as Starlink 2188, is part of the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 15, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters, with a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes). The satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays with batteries for power supply. Its primary mission is communication, and it was stabilized by May 16, 2021.

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-L26-11

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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