STARLINK-2648 (48679)

COSPAR: 2021-044AT | Alt Name: Starlink 2648

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 26, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48679

International Designator

2021-044AT

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:55:45 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

293.68°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

81.65°

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-2648

Alternative Name

Starlink 2648

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48679U 21044AT  26185.03872357  .00000360  00000-0  24820-4 0  9991

2 48679  53.1616 293.6785 0001640  81.6516 278.4670 15.29357878281624

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2648 satellite, also known as Starlink 2648, is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on May 26, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR), Launch Complex 40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters and carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. The satellite is equipped with krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering, solar arrays for power generation, and batteries for energy storage. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kilograms, including the dry mass of 248 kilograms. Its primary mission is communication, as part of the Starlink constellation.

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

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-L28-42

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

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Latitude

Longitude

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