X Report 10 Jun 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX include the debut of a new Dragon capsule for Axiom Space, continued Starlink deployments, and significant shifts in U.S. rural broadband funding that could benefit Starlink.
STARLINK-2251 (48594)
COSPAR: 2021-041AT | Alt Name: Starlink 2251
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48594
International Designator
2021-041AT
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:35:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
295.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
84.58°
Period
94.16 min
Mean Motion
15.29 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-2251
Alternative Name
Starlink 2251
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48594U 21041AT 26184.73292426 -.00000698 00000-0 -11863-4 0 9992
2 48594 53.1600 295.2166 0000960 84.5840 275.5270 15.29356335283218
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2251 is a Starlink satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS), with an OBJECT_ID of 2021-041AT and a NORAD_CAT_ID of 48594. Launched on May 15, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Center's LC39A launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, this satellite is primarily used for communication purposes. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. The dry mass of STARLINK-2251 is 248 kilograms, while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (part of a few prototypes), it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a pan configuration, and its mission is to facilitate communication services as part of SpaceX’s Starlink constellation.
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-L26-42
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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