STARLINK-2361 (47901)

COSPAR: 2021-021AT | Alt Name: Starlink 2361

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

47901

International Designator

2021-021AT

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:23:21 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

70.83°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

79.66°

Period

93.47 min

Mean Motion

15.41 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-2361

Alternative Name

Starlink 2361

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 47901U 21021AT  26185.05788625  .00107288  00000-0  25706-2 0  9998

2 47901  53.1550  70.8319 0004110  79.6556 280.4912 15.40591750294293

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2361 satellite, also known as Starlink 2361, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on March 14, 2021, from the LC39A launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 rocket, it has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Its dimensions include a length of 0.2 meters, diameter of 2.8 meters, and span of 9 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. It utilizes Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus pan shape. The mission's purpose is communication.

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-L21-42

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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