STARLINK-2178 (47760)

COSPAR: 2021-017AQ | Alt Name: Starlink 2178

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

47760

International Designator

2021-017AQ

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 21:18:10 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

36.09°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

90.27°

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-2178

Alternative Name

Starlink 2178

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47760U 21017AQ  26184.88762227 -.00002981  00000-0 -84339-4 0  9991

2 47760  53.1602  36.0855 0001257  90.2739 269.8406 15.31695363295491

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-2178 is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation, operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 4, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite features a box and pan shape with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it has an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, the satellite also uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation.

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-L17-39

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

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Longitude

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