STARLINK-2163 (47749)

COSPAR: 2021-017AD | Alt Name: Starlink 2163

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

47749

International Designator

2021-017AD

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.15°

Right Ascension

348.11°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

304.51°

Period

90.69 min

Mean Motion

15.88 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2163

Alternative Name

Starlink 2163

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47749U 21017AD  26185.33336806  .00251211  00000-0  88955-3 0  9996

2 47749  53.1508 348.1061 0005673 304.5125 103.3582 15.87819681  6023

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2163 satellite, also known as Starlink 2163, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 4, 2021, from LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 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 was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links, the satellite features solar arrays and batteries for power generation along with krypton ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The spacecraft has a box plus pan shape and is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation aimed at providing 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.

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-L17-28

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

X Report 26 Aug 2025

SpaceX's ongoing challenges with the Starship Flight 10 launch are prominent today, as weather and technical issues continue to push back the schedule. Meanwhile, successful cargo missions to the ISS highlight the company's ongoing commitment to space operations.

Space Brief 22 Oct 2024

Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX's 99th operational launch, China's calibration satellite launch, and Space Force's role in a commercial space age. Special spotlight on the satellite YAOGAN 1!

The End of Free Skies | FAA Starts Charging for Rocket Launches

On April 22, 2026, the FAA published a final rule implementing per-launch user fees for commercial space transportation — the first time the U.S. government has charged payload-based fees for rocket launches. Starting at 25 cents per pound with a $30,000 cap, the fees are modest today. By 2033, they won't be.

Track the International Space Station

A look at how tracking the space station offers a unique view of space exploration.

Space Brief 21 Nov 2025

Today's brief covers the Space Force's strategic roadmap, a groundbreaking DARPA mission in Very Low Earth Orbit, and enhanced cyber defenses due to AI-driven threats.

The Day When Cassini Chose the Long Way Home

Cassini's Titan T-115 encounter marked the moment the spacecraft stopped looking down and started looking sideways, trading one type of science for another as it entered the final chapter of an iconic mission.

Starlink Debuts Super Bowl Ad, Falcon 9 Preps for Crew-12 | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX airs Starlink's first-ever Super Bowl ad to millions. Falcon 9 completes static fire test for Crew-12 launch on Feb 11. Falcon 9 resumed flights after engine investigation.

X Report 9 Feb 2025

SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch while facing potential C-band spectrum challenges.