The Day Humanity Broke Its Last Tether to Earth
Forty-one years ago, astronaut Bruce McCandless II became the first human to float completely free in space, pushing the boundaries of both technology and human courage
STARLINK-2043 (47659)
COSPAR: 2021-012AR | Alt Name: Starlink 2043
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 16, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47659
International Designator
2021-012AR
Decay Date
8/5/2025
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2043
Alternative Name
Starlink 2043
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-2043 satellite, also known as Starlink 2043, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 16, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 40 using a 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, with a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. Its mission is communication, utilizing krypton ion thrusters as its motor.
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-L19-40
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
DAF Space Restructure Announced Within Days, PAE Leaders Named | KeepTrack Space Brief
Department of Air Force announces finalized Program Acquisition Executive structure within days, reshaping oversight of GPS, SBIRS, and Protected Tactical Satcom systems.
X Report 22 Feb 2025
SpaceX secures NASA contract for NEO Surveyor launch and prepares for upcoming Starship test flight.
Northrop Grumman Books $71M Charge on Vulcan Booster Anomaly | KeepTrack Space Brief
Northrop Grumman takes $71M charge over Vulcan solid rocket booster anomaly, grounding ULA's vehicle. Vulcan manifest timelines now in holding pattern pending resolution.
Space Brief 23 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the U.S. Space Force's substantial investments in commercial satellite services, a strategic military shift, Chinese space station upgrades, and NASA's policy changes.
Space Force Completes First Tactical Orbital Intercept | KeepTrack Space Brief
U.S. Space Force executes first tactical orbital intercept under Victus Haze mission using commercial spacecraft. Rendezvous and proximity operations now operationally demonstrated.
X Report 28 Aug 2025
SpaceX continues to break records with the Falcon 9's 30th flight while Starship's successful test flight propels the program forward after recent challenges.
Tesla-SpaceX 2027 Merger Predicted by Wall Street | KeepTrack X Report
Wall Street analyst Dan Ives predicts a Tesla-SpaceX merger by 2027, while a quantum magnetometer launches March 30 on Falcon 9 rideshare.