Space Brief 7 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include a record-breaking event at the International Space Station, significant funding for hypersonic missile production, and several key military developments impacting space strategy.
STARLINK-2714 (48603)
COSPAR: 2021-041BC | Alt Name: Starlink 2714
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48603
International Designator
2021-041BC
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:55:17 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
292.63°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
89.27°
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-2714
Alternative Name
Starlink 2714
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48603U 21041BC 26185.28840125 -.00001275 00000-0 -31844-4 0 9992
2 48603 53.1592 292.6342 0001385 89.2749 270.8410 15.29361964284554
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2714 satellite, also known as Starlink 2714, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink constellation. Launched on May 15, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and weighed 260 kilograms at launch. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload equipment and optical inter-satellite links, as well as krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Power generation relies on solar arrays and batteries. Its primary purpose is communication, serving as part of SpaceX's broader initiative to provide global internet coverage through a network of satellites.
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-L26-51
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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