X Report 16 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink satellites on November 14, marking the first of two rapid-fire Falcon 9 missions from Florida's Space Coast in under four hours.
STARLINK-1998 (47593)
COSPAR: 2021-009AX | Alt Name: Starlink 1998
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47593
International Designator
2021-009AX
Decay Date
1/21/2025
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1998
Alternative Name
Starlink 1998
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-1998 satellite, also known as Starlink 1998, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on February 4, 2021, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and has a span of 9 meters. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kilograms, with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (few prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a pan configuration, designed primarily for communication purposes.
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-L18-46
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
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