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STARLINK-1955 (47556)
COSPAR: 2021-009J | Alt Name: Starlink 1955
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47556
International Designator
2021-009J
Epoch
Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:16:09 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
53.02°
Right Ascension
260.70°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
263.11°
Period
87.33 min
Mean Motion
16.49 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1955
Alternative Name
Starlink 1955
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47556U 21009J 26080.92788911 .16102296 12601-4 21540-3 0 9996
2 47556 53.0157 260.7044 0005667 263.1051 96.9354 16.48942211283563
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1955 satellite, also known as Starlink 1955, 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 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (available on all units) and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission and primary purpose are communication. The satellite is owned by SpaceX and operates in a box plus pan shape 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.
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-L18-09
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
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