Space Brief 8 Dec 2024
Explore today's key space events including a SpaceX Starlink launch, Neuraspace's new telescope for space traffic monitoring, and Globalstar's defense-focused satellite service debut.
STARLINK-2141 (47731)
COSPAR: 2021-017K | Alt Name: Starlink 2141
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47731
International Designator
2021-017K
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.15°
Right Ascension
353.31°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
293.86°
Period
90.23 min
Mean Motion
15.96 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-2141
Alternative Name
Starlink 2141
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47731U 21017K 26185.33336806 .00447668 92390-4 10763-2 0 9998
2 47731 53.1501 353.3072 0010330 293.8628 39.7222 15.95846170 6015
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2141 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on March 4, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes, and it is powered by solar arrays complemented by batteries for energy storage. Equipped with Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, STARLINK-2141 has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. The satellite is designed to facilitate communication services as part of the broader Starlink constellation project.
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-L17-10
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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