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STARLINK-1973 (47628)
COSPAR: 2021-012J | Alt Name: Starlink 1973
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 16, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47628
International Designator
2021-012J
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:07:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
243.04°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
107.24°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-1973
Alternative Name
Starlink 1973
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47628U 21012J 26185.17208582 .00005377 00000-0 18486-3 0 9990
2 47628 53.1578 243.0441 0001405 107.2415 252.8740 15.31706626297931
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-1973, also known as Starlink 1973, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on February 16, 2021, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes and uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite is equipped with Krypton ion thrusters as motors and has a dry mass of 248 kilograms, weighing 260 kilograms at launch. Its shape consists of a box with a pan configuration.
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-L19-09
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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