X Report 27 Dec 2024
SpaceX rounds off a record-setting year with over 130 launches, achieving new milestones in Starship development and Starlink expansion.
STARLINK-2521 (48648)
COSPAR: 2021-044L | Alt Name: Starlink 2521
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48648
International Designator
2021-044L
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:52:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
291.52°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
95.42°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2521
Alternative Name
Starlink 2521
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48648U 21044L 26185.28656356 .00001817 00000-0 70311-4 0 9997
2 48648 53.1595 291.5212 0001816 95.4205 264.7004 15.31702597281692
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2521 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-044L) is a Starlink satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 26, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg. Its dimensions are 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 9 meters. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload equipment and features optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. It uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The primary mission of STARLINK-2521 is communication.
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-L28-11
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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