STARLINK-2401 (47818)

COSPAR: 2021-018AH | Alt Name: Starlink 2401

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

47818

International Designator

2021-018AH

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:55:29 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.04°

Right Ascension

51.83°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

215.40°

Period

91.26 min

Mean Motion

15.78 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-2401

Alternative Name

Starlink 2401

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47818U 21018AH  26185.12186916  .00175929  00000-0  10042-2 0  9998

2 47818  53.0442  51.8349 0000224 215.3995 144.7010 15.77876399294666

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2401 satellite, also known as Starlink 2401, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on March 11, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans up to 9 meters with its solar arrays. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it was launched at a mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload antennas (all) and optical inter-satellite links on a few prototypes, STARLINK-2401 uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays paired with batteries for power generation. Its primary mission is communication as part of SpaceX's network to provide global internet coverage.

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-L20-32

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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