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STARLINK-2396 (47815)
COSPAR: 2021-018AE | Alt Name: Starlink 2396
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 11, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47815
International Designator
2021-018AE
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:09:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
61.12°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
135.93°
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-2396
Alternative Name
Starlink 2396
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47815U 21018AE 26185.09020924 .00000298 00000-0 21369-4 0 9999
2 47815 53.1584 61.1236 0001115 135.9294 224.1796 15.31706189294550
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2396 satellite, also known as Starlink 2396, is owned and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on March 11, 2021, from the LC40 launch pad at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has a dry mass of 248 kg and was launched with a total mass of 260 kg. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and features a span of 9 meters, likely due to its solar arrays or antennas. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (part of a few prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan" and it is designed to support communication missions in orbit.
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-L20-29
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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