STARLINK-1970 (47571)

COSPAR: 2021-009Z | Alt Name: Starlink 1970

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 4, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47571

International Designator

2021-009Z

Decay Date

4/25/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-1970

Alternative Name

Starlink 1970

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

STARLINK-1970, also known as Starlink 1970, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 4, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length and has a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch and carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is equipped with krypton ion thrusters for its motor system and has a shape described as box + pan. Its purpose is communication within SpaceX's Starlink constellation.

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

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-L18-24

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.

Musk Pivots SpaceX Focus to Moon Settlement Before Mars | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk shifts SpaceX's priority to lunar settlement before Mars colonization. Crew-12 launch delayed by weather to Feb 12. SpaceX partners with Hexagon Purus for manufacturing.

Three Chinese Rocket Bodies Exploded, Generating Decades of LEO Debris | KeepTrack Space Brief

Three Chinese rocket bodies have exploded over four years, creating debris clouds that will linger for decades to centuries, according to LeoLabs analysis. Fragmentation events threaten commercial and military operators.

The Day That Changed How We Navigate Forever

Forty-seven years ago, an Atlas rocket carried the first GPS satellite into orbit, launching a revolution in navigation that would transform daily life across the globe

Musk Locks In SpaceX Control With Trillion-Dollar Stake | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk moves to make himself unfireable at SpaceX as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon back a rival D2D joint venture challenging Starlink Mobile.

Space Brief 7 May 2025

Today's briefing focuses on key developments in military space activities, technological advancements, and strategic challenges faced by the U.S. in space dominance. Notably, the Space Force is expanding its missile warning capabilities, and significant funding discussions are underway.

The Day Humanity Got Its First Close-up of the Future Apollo Landing Site

Sixty years ago, a pioneering spacecraft called Ranger 8 captured thousands of detailed photographs of the lunar surface before intentionally crashing into the Moon, helping pave the way for humanity's first steps on another world

SpinLaunch's Kinetic Launch System

How a California startup's massive centrifuge could transform space access by eliminating rocket fuel, reducing costs by 70%, and enabling daily satellite launches - if it can overcome the physics of scaling from suborbital tests to orbital reality

Europe's First Starlink Direct-to-Smartphone Service Goes Live | KeepTrack X Report

Virgin Media O2 launches Europe's first Starlink direct-to-smartphone service in the UK. SpaceX launches 29 more Starlink satellites. Dragon cargo capsule returns after 6-month ISS mission.