X Report 26 Jul 2025
This week's SpaceX developments include notable upcoming missions, with a Starlink launch on the horizon and Crew Dragon's readiness for the next astronaut mission.
STARLINK-2743 (48682)
COSPAR: 2021-044AW | Alt Name: Starlink 2743
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48682
International Designator
2021-044AW
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 03:14:07 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
243.23°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
90.98°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2743
Alternative Name
Starlink 2743
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48682U 21044AW 26185.13480939 .00000813 00000-0 37964-4 0 9993
2 48682 53.1594 243.2326 0001273 90.9845 269.1302 15.31688504282340
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2743 satellite, also known as Starlink 2743, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on May 26, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans about 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms with a total launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. Power generation comes from onboard solar arrays and batteries, while propulsion relies on krypton ion thrusters. Its primary mission is to provide communication services as part of SpaceX's broader Starlink network.
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-L28-45
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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