X Report 14 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched its 300th Starlink mission, deploying 24 new satellites to further expand its internet service coverage worldwide.
STARLINK-2742 (48688)
COSPAR: 2021-044BC | Alt Name: Starlink 2742
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48688
International Designator
2021-044BC
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:14:33 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
243.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.66°
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-2742
Alternative Name
Starlink 2742
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48688U 21044BC 26185.17677978 .00007203 00000-0 24359-3 0 9997
2 48688 53.1583 243.2172 0001379 83.6642 276.4516 15.31707195282340
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2742 satellite, also known as Starlink 2742, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) for communication purposes. It was launched on May 26, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Its equipment includes Ku/Ka-band payload technology, optical inter-satellite links, and solar arrays for power generation along with batteries. The satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system and is part of the Starlink constellation, featuring a box-shaped body with a pan design.
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-L28-51
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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