STARLINK-2052 (47662)

COSPAR: 2021-012AU | Alt Name: Starlink 2052
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-2052 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 16, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47662

International Designator

2021-012AU

Decay Date

2/19/2026

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2052

Alternative Name

Starlink 2052

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The STARLINK-2052 satellite, also known as Starlink 2052 and designated as OBJECT_ID "2021-012AU," is part of the Starlink constellation 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 satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, a diameter of 2.8 meters, and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it also features krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The mission purpose is to provide communication services, contributing to the broader Starlink V1.0-L19-43 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

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-L19-43

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.

Space Brief 27 Nov 2024

Space Brief 27 Nov 2024

Space highlights include a debut launch of ZhuQue-2E, Firefly's lunar lander timeline, semiconductor funding for satellites, and ISS debris avoidance.

Space Brief 25 Sep 2025

Space Brief 25 Sep 2025

Discover the latest developments in space defense, innovative satellite technologies, nuclear advancements in space travel, and strategic military updates.

SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Makes Debut Flight | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Makes Debut Flight | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's secretive Starfall reentry demo launched June 23 as Starmind AI constellation targets 1M orbital compute nodes.

Space Brief 2 Sep 2024

Space Brief 2 Sep 2024

Key topics: SpaceX resumes Falcon 9 launches, mysterious Starliner sounds, and upcoming space policy events. Detailed tracking info for EGYPTSAT A.

Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

Space Situational Awareness (SSA)

How our ability to track and predict objects in orbit has become the foundation of space safety in an increasingly crowded cosmic neighborhood

Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Deploys Meadowlands Satellite-Jamming System | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force transitions Meadowlands mobile satellite-jamming platform to operational status. System provides ground forces with electronic warfare capability against adversary satellite links.

Crew-11 Returns to Earth After Historic ISS Medical Evacuation | KeepTrack X Report

Crew-11 Returns to Earth After Historic ISS Medical Evacuation | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Crew-11 mission returns safely to Earth after first-ever medical evacuation from ISS. Crew Dragon splashes down in Pacific Ocean off California coast. Mission ended early due to health concern.

Space Brief 11 Nov 2025

Space Brief 11 Nov 2025

Record-breaking Chinese launches, SDA funding issues, and a new Starlink milestone highlight today's space news.