Space Brief 19 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers launches by SpaceX and mysterious Space Force missions, along with updates on Japan's moon lander and US-UAE defense deals.
STARLINK-2046 (47354)
COSPAR: 2021-005F | Alt Name: Starlink 2046
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 20, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47354
International Designator
2021-005F
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:38:53 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
202.51°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.94°
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-2046
Alternative Name
Starlink 2046
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47354U 21005F 26185.06867262 .00001301 00000-0 53691-4 0 9993
2 47354 53.1580 202.5081 0001321 92.9436 267.1717 15.31699538301404
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-2046 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-005F) is a Starlink spacecraft launched on January 20, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center by SpaceX using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes, the satellite utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and employs krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The spacecraft's shape is described as "Box + pan," and it operates under the ownership of SpaceX, serving a mission focused on 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-L16-06
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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