Space Brief 30 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include SpaceX's dual satellite launches, a new Space Force contract with Raytheon, and Astroscale's upcoming OneWeb mission.
STARLINK-2705 (48672)
COSPAR: 2021-044AL | Alt Name: Starlink 2705
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48672
International Designator
2021-044AL
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:56:06 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
282.02°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
74.08°
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-2705
Alternative Name
Starlink 2705
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48672U 21044AL 26185.24729740 -.00007627 00000-0 -23417-3 0 9999
2 48672 53.1591 282.0213 0000876 74.0759 286.0339 15.31714894281818
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2705 satellite, also known as Starlink 2705, is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation. Launched on May 26, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and some prototypes with optical inter-satellite links, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, while the launch mass was 260 kilograms. Starlink-2705 uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and has a box-shaped body with an additional pan configuration. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX and is owned by the same company, contributing to their global communication mission.
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-L28-35
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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