Space Brief 20 Mar 2025
Today's brief highlights critical discussions in military space readiness, potential satellite 'dogfighting' scenarios, international defense collaborations, and a notable communications satellite launch.
STARLINK-2252 (48595)
COSPAR: 2021-041AU | Alt Name: Starlink 2252
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48595
International Designator
2021-041AU
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:40:37 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
328.60°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
164.37°
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-2252
Alternative Name
Starlink 2252
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48595U 21041AU 26184.81987367 .00001470 00000-0 59087-4 0 9994
2 48595 53.1596 328.5998 0000254 164.3702 195.7307 15.31706789284014
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2252 satellite, also known as Starlink 2252, is a communication spacecraft operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on May 15, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.2 meters and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It weighs approximately 260 kilograms at launch and 248 kilograms dry mass. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (as prototypes), the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation, and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its shape is described as a box with an antenna pan configuration. The mission of STARLINK-2252 is to provide 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-L26-43
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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