STARLINK-1609 (47621)

COSPAR: 2021-012B | Alt Name: Starlink 1609

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 16, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47621

International Designator

2021-012B

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:08:26 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.15°

Right Ascension

236.53°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

349.57°

Period

92.96 min

Mean Motion

15.49 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-1609

Alternative Name

Starlink 1609

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47621U 21012B   26184.88085935  .00095950  00000-0  17307-2 0  9991

2 47621  53.1549 236.5280 0004943 349.5720  10.5185 15.48992352298002

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-1609 satellite, also known as Starlink 1609, is part of SpaceX's (SPXS) Starlink constellation and was launched on February 16, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR), Launch Complex 40 (LC40), using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, featuring a box with a pan shape. It weighs about 248 kilograms dry mass, with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), the satellite uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays with batteries for power. Its primary mission is communication.

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-L19-02

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

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