X Report 17 Apr 2025
Starbase expansion progresses and Germany eyes its own satellite constellation.
STARLINK-2104 (47384)
COSPAR: 2021-005AM | Alt Name: Starlink 2104
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 20, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47384
International Designator
2021-005AM
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:44:47 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
215.75°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
85.67°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2104
Alternative Name
Starlink 2104
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47384U 21005AM 26185.11443985 .00001930 00000-0 73934-4 0 9994
2 47384 53.1576 215.7474 0001309 85.6680 274.4471 15.31697324301218
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2104, also known as Starlink 2104, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on January 20, 2021, from LC39A at Kennedy Space Center using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. Its dry mass is approximately 248 kilograms, with a total launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links (on prototypes), it uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The propulsion system utilizes krypton ion thrusters to maintain its orbit. Manufactured by SpaceX, STARLINK-2104's primary purpose is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink constellation network.
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-L16-36
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
108 Minutes That Changed Everything - and the 20-Year Echo That Followed
On April 12, 1961, a 27-year-old Soviet pilot rode a modified ICBM into orbit and came back alive after 108 minutes. Exactly twenty years later, two Americans climbed aboard an untested spacecraft covered in 31,000 ceramic tiles and bet their lives that the math was right.
X Report 17 Aug 2025
SpaceX prepares for its 10th Starship test flight, set for August 24, as the FAA grants approval following earlier setbacks.
The Civilian Space Traffic System America Almost Didn't Build
For nearly two decades, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have been the world's unofficial civilian space traffic control system. The Department of Commerce's Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) is now taking over that job for commercial satellite operators - in stages, against persistent congressional pressure to kill the program, and with Department of Defense advocates pushing to make it happen before it is too late.
X Report 4 Dec 2025
SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites and received approval for a new Starship launch site, while facing challenges with crew assignments on upcoming missions.
Space Brief 10 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers increased Space Force funding, a renewed focus on nuclear power in space, a proposed US missile defense system, new defense budget revelations, and NATO's call for increased air defenses.
X Report 14 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched its 300th Starlink mission, deploying 24 new satellites to further expand its internet service coverage worldwide.
Space Brief 4 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers significant advancements in materials technology for space applications, a U.S. Navy contract for rocket production facilities, and NATO's upcoming classified cloud system.