STARLINK-2101 (47381)

COSPAR: 2021-005AJ | Alt Name: Starlink 2101

Image
STARLINK-2101 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 20, 2021

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47381

International Designator

2021-005AJ

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:15:07 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

217.19°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

95.48°

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-2101

Alternative Name

Starlink 2101

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 47381U 21005AJ  26184.80217028  .00000212  00000-0  18588-4 0  9999
2 47381  53.1584 217.1942 0001483  95.4780 264.6390 15.31697529301176

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-2101 is a Starlink satellite operated by SPXS and was launched on January 20, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. It weighs approximately 260 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload systems (all) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its mission is to provide communication services, utilizing krypton ion thrusters as propulsion and featuring a box plus pan shape 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.
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-L16-33

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

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