STARLINK-2171 (47754)

COSPAR: 2021-017AJ | Alt Name: Starlink 2171

Image
STARLINK-2171 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 4, 2021

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47754

International Designator

2021-017AJ

Epoch

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:38:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.02°

Right Ascension

69.07°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

240.62°

Period

87.94 min

Mean Motion

16.37 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-2171

Alternative Name

Starlink 2171

Type

Payload

Status

Partially operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 47754U 21017AJ  26159.31806737  .07209204  12230-4  70126-3 0  9991
2 47754  53.0209  69.0731 0008701 240.6169 119.4008 16.37430031292732

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-2171 satellite, also known as Starlink 2171, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on March 4, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station 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 when its solar arrays are deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload (standard) and some prototypes feature optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kilograms, reducing to a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system consists of Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as box-shaped with an additional pan component.

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-L17-33

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

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