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SpaceX wraps up the year with significant launches, including a record-setting Astranis deployment and Starlink missions signaling the year's end.
STARLINK-2312 (47980)
COSPAR: 2021-024D | Alt Name: Starlink 2312
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
47980
International Designator
2021-024D
Decay Date
2/19/2025
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2312
Alternative Name
Starlink 2312
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-2312 satellite, also known as Starlink 2312, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on March 24, 2021, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) LC40 launch pad aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters, indicative of its solar arrays or antenna deployment. The satellite weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, it serves a communication mission through the use of solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its propulsion system includes krypton ion thrusters to maintain its orbit and orientation. The satellite's shape is described as box-like with an additional pan configuration, likely referring to the deployment of its solar arrays or antennas.
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-L22-04
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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