X Report 30 May 2025
SpaceX embarks on another milestone as it prepares to launch an advanced GPS satellite for the U.S. Space Force today, aiming for a record 170 launches this year.
STARLINK-1996 (47591)
COSPAR: 2021-009AV | Alt Name: Starlink 1996
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47591
International Designator
2021-009AV
Decay Date
1/26/2025
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1996
Alternative Name
Starlink 1996
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-1996 satellite, also known as Starlink 1996, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on February 4, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and 9 meters in span with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (for prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's primary mission is communication and it was manufactured by SpaceX in the United States.
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-L18-44
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.
SpaceX Launches GPS Satellite Tonight, Starship V3 Targets Mid-March | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX to launch GPS III SV09 satellite for Space Force at 11:38 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral. Musk confirms Starship V3 with Raptor V3 engines targets mid-March first flight.
Space Brief 9 Jun 2025
Key space events for today include potential changes in US space policy involving SpaceX, uncertainties regarding NASA's Starliner, and China's new steps in asteroid exploration.
Starship V3 Debuts Flight 12 With First-Ever Self-Imaging Maneuver | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Starship V3 targets Flight 12 with an unprecedented self-inspection maneuver, while Delta Air Lines walks away from Starlink inflight Wi-Fi.
STARLINK-4621 Faces Critical Conjunction as Eight Satellites Reenter | KeepTrack X Report
A HIGH-risk conjunction between STARLINK-4621 and the defunct SL-18 rocket body leads the July 11 safety picture, with eight Starlink satellites set to reenter through July 14.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
How our ability to track and predict objects in orbit has become the foundation of space safety in an increasingly crowded cosmic neighborhood
Space Brief 25 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include the Pentagon's report on China's military buildup, Innospace's upcoming launch plans, Starlink's rapid growth, China's significant space strides in 2025, and India's successful deployment of BlueBird 6.
X Report 1 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches its first crewed mission over Earth's poles and FAA concludes investigation into the Starship Flight 7 incident.