STARLINK-2040 (47656)

COSPAR: 2021-012AN | Alt Name: Starlink 2040

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

47656

International Designator

2021-012AN

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:55:46 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

227.81°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

69.32°

Period

94.01 min

Mean Motion

15.32 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-2040

Alternative Name

Starlink 2040

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47656U 21012AN  26185.12207112  .00000489  00000-0  27539-4 0  9993

2 47656  53.1593 227.8099 0001273  69.3163 290.7975 15.31695516298138

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2040 satellite, also known as Starlink 2040, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 16, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes only). Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power, the satellite weighs 260 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 248 kg. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters to maintain its orbit. The purpose of STARLINK-2040 is to provide communication services as part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation.

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-L19-37

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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