STARLINK-2338 (47793)

COSPAR: 2021-018G | Alt Name: Starlink 2338

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 11, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47793

International Designator

2021-018G

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:21:16 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

57.73°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

82.06°

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-2338

Alternative Name

Starlink 2338

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47793U 21018G   26185.05643893  .00001183  00000-0  49887-4 0  9995

2 47793  53.1595  57.7322 0001290  82.0605 278.0543 15.31702603294584

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-2338 satellite, also known as Starlink 2338, was launched on March 11, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity, this communication satellite has a box + pan shape with dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. Weighing approximately 260 kilograms at launch (with a dry mass of 248 kilograms), it is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes for its communication mission. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while propulsion comes from krypton ion thrusters.

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-L20-07

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.

The Day the Soviets Built a World in Orbit

Forty years ago today, the USSR launched a 20-ton aluminum cylinder into low Earth orbit and called it 'Peace.' Over the next 15 years, Mir would host 104 people from 12 countries, survive a fire and a collision, and quietly teach humanity how to live in space.

Space Brief 23 Nov 2024

Today's highlights include Canada's and Australia's investment in hypersonic defense, China's successful test of an inflatable space module, and Sweden's support of Ukrainian missile and drone production.

Space Brief 1 Aug 2025

Today's Space Brief covers a crucial weather data decision by the U.S. Defense Department, an innovative power supply for aerospace systems, advancements in satellite link technology, and Norway's maritime surveillance. AI/ML tools for airspace management and concerns about defense testing capabilities are also highlighted.

Suborbital Tourism Scorecard 2026, the Edge of Space Goes Quiet

Twenty-two years after SpaceShipOne, the two companies that defined suborbital tourism are both sitting on the ground. Blue Origin parked New Shepard in January, Virgin Galactic has not flown a customer since 2024, and the math behind the whole business is finally getting an honest look.

Space Brief 26 Sep 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights major developments including NASA's Dream Chaser contract modifications, Germany's significant investment in space capabilities, and advancements in hybrid satcom technology.

Space Brief 8 Dec 2024

Explore today's key space events including a SpaceX Starlink launch, Neuraspace's new telescope for space traffic monitoring, and Globalstar's defense-focused satellite service debut.

China Plans First One-Year Human Spaceflight Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief

China confirms first one-year human spaceflight and Pakistani astronaut for Tiangong. Air Force develops X-68A missile-launching drone. Poland unveils $51B defense spending plan.

Space Brief 22 Nov 2025

Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.