Space Brief 2 May 2025
Today's space highlights include significant military contracts for aerospace innovations, advancements in small-satellite procurement, and discussions on the role of nuclear energy in space exploration.
STARLINK-1704 (47625)
COSPAR: 2021-012F | Alt Name: Starlink 1704
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 16, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47625
International Designator
2021-012F
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 15:58:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
223.19°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
310.65°
Period
91.80 min
Mean Motion
15.69 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-1704
Alternative Name
Starlink 1704
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47625U 21012F 26184.66556258 .00088504 00000-0 75969-3 0 9998
2 47625 53.0429 223.1861 0002561 310.6478 49.4315 15.68656808298137
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-1704 satellite, also known as Starlink 1704, is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on February 16, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink constellation designed for communication purposes. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan" and its purpose aligns with the broader mission of establishing global communication infrastructure.
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-L19-06
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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