X Report 4 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship's ninth flight with a reused booster, Fram2 astronauts share stunning orbital views, and SpaceX secures new NASA contracts for the Starship.
STARLINK-2249 (48592)
COSPAR: 2021-041AR | Alt Name: Starlink 2249
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48592
International Designator
2021-041AR
Epoch
Sun, 24 May 2026 23:12:04 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.03°
Right Ascension
133.58°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
250.27°
Period
87.30 min
Mean Motion
16.50 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2249
Alternative Name
Starlink 2249
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48592U 21041AR 26144.96671912 .13796870 12580-4 15876-3 0 9995
2 48592 53.0328 133.5815 0008473 250.2664 109.7473 16.49563330276910
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2249 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-041AR) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on May 15, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully extended. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms with 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 solar arrays and batteries for power generation and employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. Its shape is described as box + pan, but no specific information on RCS, ADCS, color, transmitter frequencies, or major events was provided in the data set.
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-L26-40
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.
Starship Launch Site Construction Advances at Kennedy Space Center | KeepTrack X Report
Starship launch site construction progresses at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Elon Musk trolls Ryanair after budget airline refuses to install Starlink on its fleet.
X Report 8 Jan 2025
SpaceX sets sights on new frontiers with the imminent Starlink launch and upcoming Blue Ghost moon lander mission.
FAA Approves Starship Launches from LC-39A, FCC Accepts Orbital Data Center Filing | KeepTrack X Report
FAA approves SpaceX Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center LC-39A. FCC accepts 1-million satellite orbital data center filing. Canada ranks as 5th largest Starlink market.
X Report 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX faces a setback with a Falcon 9 upper stage reentry issue, while NASA selects SpaceX for a new mission. Starlink expansions continue with multiple satellite launches.
X Report 29 Sep 2025
In today's update, SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg, while Italy grapples with its satellite strategy amid rising reliance on Starlink services.
Space Brief 7 Nov 2024
Today's Space Brief covers major upcoming launches from SpaceX, US military missile tests, and developments in Virgin Galactic's fleet expansion. Stay informed on key satellite events and launch updates.
China Plans First One-Year Human Spaceflight Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
China confirms first one-year human spaceflight and Pakistani astronaut for Tiangong. Air Force develops X-68A missile-launching drone. Poland unveils $51B defense spending plan.