Space Brief 18 Feb 2025
Today's briefs cover SpaceX landing a Falcon 9 in The Bahamas, first disabled astronaut prepped for a mission, and key company updates from Blue Origin and K2 Space.
STARLINK-2194 (47771)
COSPAR: 2021-017BB | Alt Name: Starlink 2194
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47771
International Designator
2021-017BB
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:03:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
21.53°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
106.86°
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-2194
Alternative Name
Starlink 2194
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47771U 21017BB 26185.25274900 -.00008051 00000-0 -24777-3 0 9994
2 47771 53.1598 21.5272 0001119 106.8573 253.2551 15.31723761295735
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2194 satellite, also known as Starlink 2194 and designated OBJECT_ID 2021-017BB, is a part of the Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 4, 2021, from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and a diameter of 2.8 meters with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it had a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (present on all Starlink satellites) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It employs krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is designed primarily for communication purposes, consistent with its mission classification.
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-L17-50
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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