STARLINK-2116 (47724)

COSPAR: 2021-017C | Alt Name: Starlink 2116

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 4, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47724

International Designator

2021-017C

Epoch

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:27:54 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

279.03°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

290.61°

Period

87.50 min

Mean Motion

16.46 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-2116

Alternative Name

Starlink 2116

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47724U 21017C   26100.76938389  .13937085  12568-4  32997-3 0  9992

2 47724  53.0211 279.0332 0007808 290.6132  69.4079 16.45730231284629

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The satellite named STARLINK-2116 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-017C) is a Starlink spacecraft launched on March 4, 2021, from the LC39A launch pad at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, and its launch mass was 260 kilograms. Its primary mission is communication, employing a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes). It is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power and uses krypton ion thrusters as motors. The satellite's shape is described as box + pan. It was manufactured by SPXS and is owned by the same entity, designed to contribute to a global communication network.

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-L17-03

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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