Space Brief 7 Mar 2025
Key insights from the latest SpaceX Starship breakup, the establishment of a new satellite mobile service, and enhancing America's missile shield capabilities through satellites.
STARLINK-2646 (48642)
COSPAR: 2021-044E | Alt Name: Starlink 2646
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48642
International Designator
2021-044E
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:19:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
294.67°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
58.18°
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-2646
Alternative Name
Starlink 2646
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48642U 21044E 26184.59710323 -.00000042 00000-0 10401-4 0 9993
2 48642 53.1592 294.6662 0001165 58.1761 301.9353 15.31699433281589
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2646 satellite, also known as Starlink 2646, is part of the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 26, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Its dimensions include a length of 0.2 meters, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links (on prototypes). It uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Its mission focuses on communication services 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.
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-L28-05
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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