X Report 28 Jan 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, nearing milestone of 7,000 in orbit. Boeing and Airbus consider divesting from space, impacting industry dynamics.
STARLINK-2196 (47773)
COSPAR: 2021-017BD | Alt Name: Starlink 2196
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47773
International Designator
2021-017BD
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:13:29 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
35.16°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
96.92°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2196
Alternative Name
Starlink 2196
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47773U 21017BD 26185.09269840 .00008482 00000-0 28475-3 0 9990
2 47773 53.1592 35.1564 0001294 96.9191 263.1958 15.31704678295495
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2196 is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation, launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on March 4, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are extended. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms and it weighs 260 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Its purpose is to facilitate communication through its Starlink V1.0-L17-52 payload configuration.
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-L17-52
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 14 Feb 2025
Key developments include Redwire's contract for a US Space Force mission, UK's steps toward its first orbital launch, and a detailed military satellite spotlight.
Japan's H3 Returns to Flight With 6 Satellites | KeepTrack Space Brief
Japan's H3 rocket successfully launched June 11, deploying 6 smallsats to orbit after December failure. First return-to-flight for JAXA's flagship heavy-lift vehicle.
Space Brief 26 Jun 2025
Exploring new defense agreements with Eutelsat, advances in U.S. Space Force projects, and updates on NATO's strategic discussions.
Falcon 9 Booster B1067 Flies Record 35th Time | KeepTrack X Report
Booster B1067 set a Falcon 9 reuse record on its 35th flight, lofting 29 Starlink satellites as SpaceX eyes three more launches this week.
SpaceX Hits 600th Falcon 9 Launch, ISS Crew Restored to Seven | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches 600th Falcon 9 rocket with Starlink 17-13 mission. Crew Dragon docks at ISS restoring crew to seven. Crew-12 launched on Friday the 13th in a first for NASA.
Starship Flight 12 Targets May 19 with Redesigned Ship | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship Flight 12 debut, while CRS-34 delivers 6,500 lbs of cargo to ISS aboard a Falcon 9.
X Report 16 Dec 2024
SpaceX announces SPHEREx launch date for February 2025, and Airbus completes delivery of Thuraya 4 satellite for upcoming launch.