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STARLINK-2253 (48596)
COSPAR: 2021-041AV | Alt Name: Starlink 2253
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48596
International Designator
2021-041AV
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:10:35 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
319.53°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
92.05°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2253
Alternative Name
Starlink 2253
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48596U 21041AV 26184.75736077 .00005807 00000-0 19864-3 0 9994
2 48596 53.1604 319.5269 0001087 92.0459 268.0666 15.31717216283330
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2253 satellite, also known as Starlink 2253 and identified by NORAD CAT ID 48596, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) for the Starlink constellation. It was launched on May 15, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters due to its solar arrays. At launch, it weighed 260 kilograms, with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (in prototypes), the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its design includes a box-shaped body with a pan configuration, and its purpose 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-L26-44
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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