Space Brief 15 Nov 2024
Today's Space Brief covers China's Haiyang-4 satellite launch, Intuitive Machines' Artemis infrastructure proposals, deployment of the GREMLIN sensor suite, and more.
STARLINK-2143 (47733)
COSPAR: 2021-017M | Alt Name: Starlink 2143
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47733
International Designator
2021-017M
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:52:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
35.57°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
76.56°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-2143
Alternative Name
Starlink 2143
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47733U 21017M 26184.99481149 .00002282 00000-0 85236-4 0 9993
2 47733 53.1598 35.5691 0000732 76.5629 283.5454 15.31708719295530
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2143, also known as Starlink 2143, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 4, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it has a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), STARLINK-2143 utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power. It employs krypton ion thrusters as its motor and is designed in the shape of a box with panels. The satellite's primary mission is communication, serving as part of SpaceX’s broader Starlink constellation aiming to provide global internet coverage.
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-L17-12
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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