STARLINK-2057, also known as Starlink 2057, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on February 16, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Measuring 0.2 meters in length, it has a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's structure consists of a box shape with deployable panels.
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.