MDA and Hanwha Partner on South Korea K-LEO Defense Network | KeepTrack Space Brief
MDA Space and Hanwha target South Korea's K-LEO defense satellite network. House passes $839B defense bill. Pentagon picks 25 vendors for $150M drone competition.
STARLINK-1972 (47627)
COSPAR: 2021-012H | Alt Name: Starlink 1972
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 16, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47627
International Designator
2021-012H
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:49:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.04°
Right Ascension
118.96°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
166.60°
Period
91.67 min
Mean Motion
15.71 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-1972
Alternative Name
Starlink 1972
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47627U 21012H 26185.24248467 .00124243 00000-0 97060-3 0 9992
2 47627 53.0431 118.9601 0001581 166.5981 193.5078 15.70784459299622
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-1972, also known as Starlink 1972, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on February 16, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. The satellite weighs 248 kilograms dry and had an initial mass of 260 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links, its primary mission is communication. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while propulsion uses Krypton ion thrusters. It was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) for the purpose of enhancing global internet coverage through satellite communication technology.
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-L19-08
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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