Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
STARLINK-2741 (48684)
COSPAR: 2021-044AY | Alt Name: Starlink 2741
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48684
International Designator
2021-044AY
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:05:55 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
255.78°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
100.41°
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-2741
Alternative Name
Starlink 2741
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48684U 21044AY 26185.21244617 .00000757 00000-0 36149-4 0 9996
2 48684 53.1583 255.7803 0001295 100.4102 259.7046 15.31705839282188
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2741 is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX) and is part of the Starlink constellation. Launched on May 26, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at the Air Force Eastern Test Range using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes). Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation, it uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and launched at a mass of 260 kilograms. Its shape is described as box + pan, without additional details on its color or major events.
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-L28-47
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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