Space Brief 24 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief covers China's latest satellite launch, Russian threats to UK satellites, European defense strategies, and upcoming satellite launches from SatLeo and Quantum Space.
STARLINK-1994 (47589)
COSPAR: 2021-009AT | Alt Name: Starlink 1994
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47589
International Designator
2021-009AT
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
145.42°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
100.96°
Period
90.70 min
Mean Motion
15.88 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1994
Alternative Name
Starlink 1994
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47589U 21009AT 26185.33336806 .00395542 00000-0 13888-2 0 9997
2 47589 53.0362 145.4167 0002883 100.9627 227.5668 15.87648270 5962
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1994 satellite, also known as Starlink 1994, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on February 4, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has an object identifier of 2021-009AT and NORAD Catalog ID 47589. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links, and its dry mass is 248 kilograms out of a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Powered by solar arrays and batteries, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box-shaped design with an attached panel array. The satellite's primary mission focuses on providing communication services from low Earth orbit.
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-L18-42
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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