X Report 26 Nov 2025
This edition highlights SpaceX's ambitious plans for Starship in light of recent developments, a busy launch week featuring multiple missions, and the latest updates on Starlink's operational status.
STARLINK-2629 (48686)
COSPAR: 2021-044BA | Alt Name: Starlink 2629
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48686
International Designator
2021-044BA
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:31:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
253.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.60°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2629
Alternative Name
Starlink 2629
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48686U 21044BA 26185.18847519 .00006063 00000-0 20695-3 0 9998
2 48686 53.1600 253.3491 0001524 82.6007 277.5168 15.31704492282207
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2629 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-044BA) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on May 26, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload, optical inter-satellite links (part of prototypes), and solar arrays combined with batteries for power generation. Its dimensions include a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. The spacecraft utilizes Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. It is part of SpaceX's constellation aimed at providing global 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-L28-49
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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