Space Brief 2 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.
STARLINK-2695 (48644)
COSPAR: 2021-044G | Alt Name: Starlink 2695
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48644
International Designator
2021-044G
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:05:56 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
294.82°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
86.34°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2695
Alternative Name
Starlink 2695
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48644U 21044G 26184.58746091 -.00000413 00000-0 -15587-5 0 9999
2 48644 53.1619 294.8245 0001219 86.3380 273.7761 15.31701004281587
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2695 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation and operated 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 spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, optical inter-satellite links (in prototypes), krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, and solar arrays with batteries for power generation.
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-L28-07
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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