X Report 11 Dec 2025
SpaceX has confirmed plans for an IPO and successfully launched multiple batches of Starlink satellites, advancing its mission for global internet coverage.
STARLINK-2356 (47896)
COSPAR: 2021-021AN | Alt Name: Starlink 2356
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 14, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47896
International Designator
2021-021AN
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:49:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
99.66°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.43°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2356
Alternative Name
Starlink 2356
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 47896U 21021AN 26185.03412093 .00000707 00000-0 34553-4 0 9992
2 47896 53.1608 99.6599 0001286 82.4321 277.6826 15.31705278293846
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2356 is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on March 14, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this Starlink satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and weighed 260 kilograms at launch. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its primary mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink constellation.
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-L21-37
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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