STARLINK-2397 (47917)

COSPAR: 2021-021BK | Alt Name: Starlink 2397
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-2397 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 14, 2021

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47917

International Designator

2021-021BK

Decay Date

3/14/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2397

Alternative Name

Starlink 2397

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The STARLINK-2397 satellite, also known as Starlink 2397, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on March 14, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans up to 9 meters when deployed. The satellite weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), it uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. Its primary mission is communication, operating in a box plus pan shape configuration.

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-L21-58

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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