Space Brief 3 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers the recent surge in SpaceX launches, Eutelsat's resolution of a OneWeb software issue, and various strategic previews for U.S. military branches in 2025.
STARLINK-2746 (48676)
COSPAR: 2021-044AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 2746
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48676
International Designator
2021-044AQ
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 17:30:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
295.19°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.48°
Period
94.16 min
Mean Motion
15.29 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-2746
Alternative Name
Starlink 2746
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48676U 21044AQ 26184.72975402 .00001712 00000-0 71641-4 0 9993
2 48676 53.1588 295.1862 0001187 83.4789 276.6347 15.29358145281573
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-2746 satellite (OBJECT_ID: 2021-044AQ) is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 26, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. With a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's equipment includes a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes). It employs Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus panel shape design.
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-L28-39
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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