Space Brief 10 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers China's record-breaking launch year, SpaceX's continued Starlink deployments, Blue Origin's launch challenges, and innovations in satellite maneuverability.
STARLINK-2701 (48656)
COSPAR: 2021-044U | Alt Name: Starlink 2701
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48656
International Designator
2021-044U
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:20:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
293.98°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.38°
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-2701
Alternative Name
Starlink 2701
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48656U 21044U 26184.72258682 -.00000509 00000-0 -46385-5 0 9998
2 48656 53.1604 293.9847 0000662 92.3773 267.7304 15.31710056281602
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2701 is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX), designated under the Starlink constellation. Launched on May 26, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle, 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 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all), optical inter-satellite links on prototypes, and Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Power generation comes from solar arrays complemented by batteries. The satellite's shape consists of a box with pan configuration.
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-L28-19
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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