STARLINK-2427 (47837)

COSPAR: 2021-018BC | Alt Name: Starlink 2427

Image
STARLINK-2427 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 11, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47837

International Designator

2021-018BC

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:02:00 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

57.48°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

127.78°

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-2427

Alternative Name

Starlink 2427

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 47837U 21018BC  26185.08472559  .00003563  00000-0  12645-3 0  9991
2 47837  53.1599  57.4809 0000418 127.7801 232.3239 15.31713369294609

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-2427 satellite, also known as Starlink 2427 and designated OBJECT_ID 2021-018BC, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 11, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload equipment (all) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box-shaped body with a pan configuration. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of SpaceX's global internet coverage 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.
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-L20-51

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.
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 8 Apr 2025

Space Brief 8 Apr 2025

Key highlights include the launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut to the ISS, multi-billion dollar contracts awarded by the US Space Force, advancements in secure GPS technology, and a strategic ISR arrangement.

X Report 7 Apr 2025

X Report 7 Apr 2025

SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch today, following a successful deployment over the weekend from Florida's Space Coast.

Space Brief 29 Dec 2025

Space Brief 29 Dec 2025

Today's highlights include Japan's new military satellite imagery initiative, NASA's SPHEREx map, and AST BlueBird 6's groundbreaking cellular array in low Earth orbit.

Apophis 2029 Flyby: ESA-JAXA Joint Mission Locked In | KeepTrack Space Brief

Apophis 2029 Flyby: ESA-JAXA Joint Mission Locked In | KeepTrack Space Brief

ESA and JAXA finalize collaboration for asteroid Apophis 2029 flyby at 32,000 km—closer than geostationary orbit. Historic near-Earth encounter being heavily observed.

X Report 3 Feb 2025

X Report 3 Feb 2025

SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch from Florida, while recent Starship incident raises environmental concerns.

The Day Europe Changed the Game for Small Satellites

The Day Europe Changed the Game for Small Satellites

Thirteen years ago, a new rocket lifted off from the edge of the Amazon rainforest, marking Europe's entry into the small satellite launch market and carrying the dreams of university students across a continent

Space Brief 19 May 2025

Space Brief 19 May 2025

Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.

Space Brief 31 Mar 2025

Space Brief 31 Mar 2025

Today's brief covers significant space events, including milestone national security certifications for ULA Vulcan and Rocket Lab, SpaceX's groundbreaking polar orbit mission, and a failed launch attempt by Isar Aerospace.