STARLINK-2203 (47417)

COSPAR: 2021-006E | Alt Name: Starlink 2203
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-2203 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 24, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47417

International Designator

2021-006E

Decay Date

12/17/2021

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2203

Alternative Name

Starlink 2203

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The STARLINK-2203 satellite, also known as Starlink 2203, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on January 24, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, the satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes for communication purposes. The spacecraft uses krypton ion thrusters as its motor and solar arrays combined with batteries for power supply. Its shape consists of a box design with an additional 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

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 TSP1-05

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.

Space Brief 15 Apr 2025

Space Brief 15 Apr 2025

Today's Space Brief covers Blue Origin's historic all-female spaceflight, the selection of companies for nuclear microreactor development by DIU, and NATO's adoption of AI technology for military planning.

Space Brief 8 Dec 2025

Space Brief 8 Dec 2025

Today's edition covers SpaceX scrubbing and successfully launching Starlink satellites, AI innovations in spacecraft propulsion, and the impact of SPHERE's debris disk survey in discovering hidden asteroid belts.

X Report 10 Dec 2025

X Report 10 Dec 2025

SpaceX celebrates significant milestones in satellite launches and contemplates a historic IPO while actively participating in the competitive landscape of space technology and services.

X Report 2 Mar 2025

X Report 2 Mar 2025

Starship receives FAA approval for its next test flight, while SpaceX prepares to launch more Starlink satellites amidst reaching 5 million subscribers.

X Report 25 Dec 2025

X Report 25 Dec 2025

Starlink reaches 9 million active users, while SpaceX prepares for upcoming missions with Flight 12 vehicles readying for 2026.

Space Brief 19 Apr 2025

Space Brief 19 Apr 2025

Today's brief covers SpaceX's potential government contract, the future of US Space Command headquarters, an auction record for Neil Armstrong's watch, and the volcanic history of Mars.

Space Brief 20 Jul 2025

Space Brief 20 Jul 2025

Today's highlights include a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, a pivotal delivery to the Space Force, and significant Senate funding for NASA missions.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

How our ability to track and predict objects in orbit has become the foundation of space safety in an increasingly crowded cosmic neighborhood