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STARLINK-1971 (47572)
COSPAR: 2021-009AA | Alt Name: Starlink 1971
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47572
International Designator
2021-009AA
Epoch
Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:48:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.02°
Right Ascension
200.47°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
316.14°
Period
87.66 min
Mean Motion
16.43 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1971
Alternative Name
Starlink 1971
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47572U 21009AA 26092.15890508 .11789308 12521-4 56255-3 0 9990
2 47572 53.0232 200.4664 0006922 316.1431 43.9066 16.42690585285393
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-1971 satellite, also known as Starlink 1971, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 4, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kg and a dry mass of 248 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its shape is described as box-shaped with a pan configuration, and its mission is focused on communication services.
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-L18-25
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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