STARLINK-2258 (47860)

COSPAR: 2021-021A | Alt Name: Starlink 2258

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 14, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47860

International Designator

2021-021A

Decay Date

1/30/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2258

Alternative Name

Starlink 2258

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-2258 satellite, also known as Starlink 2258, is a communication satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 14, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite is part of the Starlink constellation designed for global internet coverage. It has dimensions measuring approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, indicating the presence of deployable solar arrays or antennas. The dry mass of the satellite is 248 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capability (all) and optical inter-satellite links (on prototypes), STARLINK-2258 uses krypton ion thrusters for orbital maneuvers and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation.

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-L21-01

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

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