STARLINK-2618 (48693)

COSPAR: 2021-044BH | Alt Name: Starlink 2618

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

48693

International Designator

2021-044BH

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:25:07 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

253.24°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

110.79°

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-2618

Alternative Name

Starlink 2618

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48693U 21044BH  26185.18411887  .00002928  00000-0  10607-3 0  9999

2 48693  53.1598 253.2362 0001368 110.7925 249.3223 15.31701779282210

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2618 satellite, also known as Starlink 2618, is a communication spacecraft operated by SPXS (SpaceX) and part of the Starlink constellation. It was launched on May 26, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs approximately 248 kilograms dry and had an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (on some prototypes), it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power and uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The spacecraft is designed in a box plus pan shape, primarily for communication purposes.

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-L28-56

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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