STARLINK-2291 (47862)

COSPAR: 2021-021C | Alt Name: Starlink 2291

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

47862

International Designator

2021-021C

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 08:00:03 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

60.87°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

106.40°

Period

91.43 min

Mean Motion

15.75 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-2291

Alternative Name

Starlink 2291

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47862U 21021C   26185.33336806  .00492345  00000-0  30574-2 0  9995

2 47862  53.1557  60.8666 0000831 106.4047 194.8882 15.75050620  5940

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2291 satellite, also known as Starlink 2291, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 14, 2021, from Kennedy Space Center's LC39A launch pad using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it had an initial launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes), the satellite uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The shape of STARLINK-2291 is described as box plus pan, and it serves a communication mission in Earth's 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.

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-L21-03

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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