STARLINK-2041 (47657)

COSPAR: 2021-012AP | Alt Name: Starlink 2041

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

47657

International Designator

2021-012AP

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:53:36 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.15°

Right Ascension

214.38°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

10.84°

Period

90.93 min

Mean Motion

15.84 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2041

Alternative Name

Starlink 2041

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47657U 21012AP  26184.78722315  .00179756  00000-0  78280-3 0  9994

2 47657  53.1487 214.3808 0009084  10.8414 349.2804 15.83700613298298

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-2041 satellite, also known as Starlink 2041, was launched on February 16, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and serves a communication mission. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when deployed. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload systems and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes, along with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system.

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-L19-38

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 16 Dec 2025

SpaceX successfully launched its 100th Falcon 9 flight, deploying 29 Starlink satellites, while NASA plans to test SpaceX’s Starshield. Additionally, SpaceX engages in social media commentary regarding American Airlines' interest in Amazon's Starlink rival.

Space Brief 7 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include significant legal disputes in military satellite contracts, strategic investments in the defense space sector, and updates on major military budget developments impacting space capabilities.

X Report 9 Apr 2025

SpaceX makes strides with new GPS and Starlink launches while securing major U.S. government contracts.

Space Brief 25 Mar 2025

Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.

X Report 12 Aug 2025

SpaceX ramps up Raptor 3 testing and the launch landscape heats up with Vulcan and Ariane set to lift off before Starlink missions.

X Report 8 Jan 2025

SpaceX gears up for distinctive Starship tests and milestone Starlink deployments as the new year takes off.

Project Vanguard

How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.

Space Brief 1 Nov 2024

Today's update highlights Boeing's challenges with the Starliner, Europe's IRIS2 constellation advancement, China's CAS Space's global ambitions, and vivid new telescope images of cosmic events.