STARLINK-2255 (48597)

COSPAR: 2021-041AW | Alt Name: Starlink 2255

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 15, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48597

International Designator

2021-041AW

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:07:06 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

317.96°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

92.17°

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-2255

Alternative Name

Starlink 2255

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48597U 21041AW  26185.08826528 -.00005535  00000-0 -16665-3 0  9999

2 48597  53.1608 317.9590 0001259  92.1725 267.9420 15.31714978284195

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2255 satellite, also known as Starlink 2255, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on May 15, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, it is designed for communication purposes. Power comes from solar arrays and batteries, while propulsion uses krypton ion thrusters.

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

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-L26-45

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

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