X Report 29 Mar 2025
Starlink gains ground in geopolitical shifts, while SpaceX makes progress on next-gen facilities and prepares for Crew-11 mission to ISS.
STARLINK-1821 (46718)
COSPAR: 2020-073BA | Alt Name: Starlink 1821
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 18, 2020
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
46718
International Designator
2020-073BA
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:55:33 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
31.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
210.61°
Period
92.60 min
Mean Motion
15.55 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-1821
Alternative Name
Starlink 1821
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 46718U 20073BA 26184.95525037 .00124518 00000-0 17963-2 0 9994
2 46718 53.0417 31.8749 0003231 210.6097 149.4725 15.55096312315338
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1821 is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX) and was launched on October 18, 2020, from LC39A at AFETR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It weighs 248 kilograms dry and had an initial mass of 260 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, it features solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The propulsion system uses Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as box plus pan configuration, designed 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.
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-L13-49
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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