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STARLINK-2406 (47821)
COSPAR: 2021-018AL | Alt Name: Starlink 2406
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 11, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47821
International Designator
2021-018AL
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:15:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
62.11°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.13°
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-2406
Alternative Name
Starlink 2406
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47821U 21018AL 26184.92712537 -.00000182 00000-0 58937-5 0 9990
2 47821 53.1599 62.1063 0001061 88.1330 271.9793 15.31695955294535
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2406 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-018AL) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX and launched on March 11, 2021, from Launch Pad LC40 at AFETR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters, having a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (standard for all Starlink satellites) and optical inter-satellite links (only on a few prototypes), it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its motor propulsion system consists of krypton ion thrusters, and its shape can be described as box-like with an additional panel configuration. The satellite's primary purpose is communication services, operated by SpaceX as part of their broader Starlink constellation project.
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-L20-35
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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