STARLINK-1951 (47553)

COSPAR: 2021-009F | Alt Name: Starlink 1951
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-1951 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 4, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47553

International Designator

2021-009F

Decay Date

4/22/2022

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1951

Alternative Name

Starlink 1951

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The STARLINK-1951 satellite, also known as Starlink 1951, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on February 4, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms with a total launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload communications and optical inter-satellite links for data transfer. Its power system consists of solar arrays and batteries. Propulsion is provided by Krypton ion thrusters, and the satellite's shape is described as box-like with an additional pan component. The primary mission is communication, managed and owned by SpaceX (SPXS).

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-L18-06

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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