Space Brief 18 Oct 2024
Explore exciting updates on satellite reentries impacting Earth's atmosphere, China's ambitious space exploration plans, and the latest advancements in the search for extraterrestrial life.
STARLINK-2235 (48581)
COSPAR: 2021-041AE | Alt Name: Starlink 2235
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48581
International Designator
2021-041AE
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 13:29:26 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
284.75°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
89.73°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2235
Alternative Name
Starlink 2235
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48581U 21041AE 26184.56211233 .00006374 00000-0 21697-3 0 9996
2 48581 53.1583 284.7471 0000954 89.7290 270.3821 15.31704211283347
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2235 satellite, also known as Starlink 2235, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on May 15, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. The satellite weighs approximately 260 kg at launch with a dry mass of 248 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Solar arrays and batteries provide power for its communication mission.
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-L26-29
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 15 Jun 2025
Today’s highlights focus on the launch preparations for the Dragoon Mission, China’s seismo-electromagnetic satellite launch, NASA budget cut impacts, and a major expansion by American Pacific Corporation.
X Report 25 Nov 2025
In today's report, we explore the latest updates from SpaceX's ongoing launch initiatives, Starship progress, and emerging competition in satellite internet, highlighting a new contender that could challenge Starlink's dominance.
X Report 18 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for a historic Falcon 9 landing attempt in The Bahamas, while also contributing to FAA air traffic control modernization.
Space Force Adds Relativity, Impulse to NSSL Phase 3 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force expands National Security Space Launch Phase 3 with Relativity Space and Impulse Space joining Lane 1 competition. New entrants gain pathway to military payload contracts.
Intel Partners on Musk's Terafab AI Chip Fab | KeepTrack X Report
Intel joins Terafab, Elon Musk's Austin AI chip complex, to supply SpaceX and Tesla as Falcon 9 prepares a Cygnus ISS run.
Shimizu's Luna Ring - The Plan to Wrap the Moon in Solar Panels
A 220-year-old Japanese construction company wants to build an 11,000-kilometer belt of solar cells around the lunar equator and beam the power back to Earth. The physics checks out. Everything else is another story.
Space Brief 14 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Firefly's acquisition, military tracking from the moon, France's boost in military space funding, and more.