X Report 31 Mar 2025
New experiments in space agriculture begin with Fram2 mission, a historic polar orbit flight, and a Starlink launch postponement.
STARLINK-2156 (47742)
COSPAR: 2021-017W | Alt Name: Starlink 2156
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47742
International Designator
2021-017W
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:07:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
11.82°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
97.00°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2156
Alternative Name
Starlink 2156
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47742U 21017W 26185.25543945 .00001399 00000-0 56827-4 0 9998
2 47742 53.1610 11.8248 0001355 96.9970 263.1186 15.31702926295896
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2156 is a Starlink communication satellite with an object ID of 2021-017W and NORAD catalog ID 47742, launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on March 4, 2021, from the LC39A launch pad at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms while the launch mass was 260 kilograms. The satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box-shaped body with an additional pan structure.
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-L17-21
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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