Space Brief 20 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's return to Starlink launches, a call to address space debris, and changes in NASA leadership under the new Trump administration.
STARLINK-2739 (48639)
COSPAR: 2021-044B | Alt Name: Starlink 2739
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48639
International Designator
2021-044B
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:45:35 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
291.78°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
86.80°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2739
Alternative Name
Starlink 2739
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48639U 21044B 26185.19832995 .00043515 00000-0 14056-2 0 9995
2 48639 53.1581 291.7766 0001183 86.7978 273.3159 15.31705122281672
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2739 is a communication satellite from SpaceX (SPXS) launched on May 26, 2021, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from LC40 at AFETR. It measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kg and was launched with a mass of 260 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. Propulsion is provided by 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.
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-L28-02
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Starship V3 Targets April 2026 Debut, X Report 20 Mar 2026
Starship V3 targets an April 2026 debut, the ride for next-gen Starlink V3 satellites. Fleet stands at 10,062 working of 11,587 launched.
Space Force Gets $26B in Defense Bill, Golden Dome Initiative Funded | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force allocated $26B in 2026 defense appropriations backing Golden Dome initiative. FY26 defense bill adds $8B but sidelines $28B munitions request. First Qatari-Emirati joint defense venture formed.
Space Brief 16 Dec 2024
Today's briefing covers the ULA's military application for Vulcan's upper stage, FAA's efforts to expedite launch licensing, and a fascinating flyby of Mercury by BepiColombo.
Space Force Awards $3.2B for Orbital Missile Interceptors | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards $3.2 billion to 12 companies for Golden Dome boost-phase missile interceptor prototypes. Initial operational capability targeted for 2028.
The $1.5 Million Starlink Jammer That Ukraine Keeps Blowing Up
Russia's Volna Kupol Garant electronic warfare system was purpose-built to jam Starlink. It costs around $1.5 million per unit, covers just 20 square kilometers, and can only target one satellite at a time. Ukraine has been finding and destroying them within days of deployment.
Space Force Eyes 1,000 Launches by 2031, New Site Required | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force projects ~1,000 launches between FY2027–FY2031, averaging 200 annually. DAF study concludes new launch site is "probably" required to absorb cadence.
X Report 15 Jun 2025
SpaceX explores new horizons with Starship's point-to-point travel announcement and reports significant Starlink deployment progress.