Space Brief 17 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include significant data release from NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment, SpaceX's dual launches of Crew-10 and Starlink satellites, and intriguing findings from the arctic ice studies.
STARLINK-2120 (47398)
COSPAR: 2021-005BB | Alt Name: Starlink 2120
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 20, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47398
International Designator
2021-005BB
Decay Date
12/9/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2120
Alternative Name
Starlink 2120
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-2120 satellite, also known as Starlink 2120 and designated by NORAD as CAT ID 47398, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 20, 2021, from LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and some prototypes feature optical inter-satellite links, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite utilizes krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus pan shape.
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-L16-50
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Orbits 7.5-Ton SiriusXM Satellite & 24 Starlinks | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX completed two launches June 28, orbiting the 15,000-lb SXM-11 satellite and 24 Starlink V2 craft from Vandenberg.
Space Force Awards First-Ever $52M Satellite Deorbit Contract to Starfish Space | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards first-of-its-kind $52M contract to Starfish Space for deorbiting defunct satellites. AST SpaceMobile selected for Missile Defense Agency SHIELD program. $26B Space Force budget confirmed.
X Report 21 Jun 2025
Today's report highlights the causes behind a recent Starship explosion, a significant delay in Axiom-4's launch, and the ongoing tension surrounding SpaceX's market dominance.
Space Force Races to Rebuild Workforce After Civilian Cuts | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force urgently rebuilds contracting workforce after civilian reductions. Pentagon defense strategy shifts focus to homeland defense. Tom Ainsworth named top Air Force space acquisition officer.
Falcon Heavy Returns After 18-Month Hiatus, Lofts ViaSat-3 F3 | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon Heavy completed its 12th flight ever on April 29, ending an 18-month stand-down by lofting the 6-ton ViaSat-3 F3 comsat to GTO.
The Day Japan Joined the Geostationary Club
Forty-eight years ago, a pioneering satellite named Kiku 2 propelled Japan into the exclusive group of nations capable of operating satellites in geostationary orbit
Space Brief 25 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers significant growth forecasts for global defense satellite communications, the integration of hypersonic missiles, cyber authority expansion in the Army, and more pivotal military developments.