STARLINK-2050 (47357)

COSPAR: 2021-005J | Alt Name: Starlink 2050

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 20, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47357

International Designator

2021-005J

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:04:33 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

242.31°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

89.50°

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-2050

Alternative Name

Starlink 2050

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47357U 21005J   26184.87817064 -.00000854  00000-0 -15746-4 0  9992

2 47357  53.1602 242.3062 0001281  89.5021 270.6127 15.31708279300822

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2050 satellite, also known as Starlink 2050, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on January 20, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A (LC39A) aboard a 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 and optical inter-satellite links, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The shape of the spacecraft is described as a box with a pan configuration.

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-L16-09

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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Latitude

Longitude

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