Space Brief 24 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include a record number of launches from Florida's Space Coast, Germany's new military space strategy, SpaceX's Starlink deployment, and more.
STARLINK-2615 (48678)
COSPAR: 2021-044AS | Alt Name: Starlink 2615
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48678
International Designator
2021-044AS
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:26:45 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
282.76°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.25°
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-2615
Alternative Name
Starlink 2615
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48678U 21044AS 26184.97691332 .00000227 00000-0 19066-4 0 9992
2 48678 53.1586 282.7589 0001026 92.2483 267.8636 15.31703462281787
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-2615, also known as Starlink 2615, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation. It was launched on May 26, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, with a span of 9 meters. It carries equipment such as Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it had a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, and its propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters. Manufactured by SpaceX, the primary purpose of STARLINK-2615 is to support communication services.
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-L28-41
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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