STARLINK-2303 (47981)

COSPAR: 2021-024E | Alt Name: Starlink 2303

Image
STARLINK-2303 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 24, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

47981

International Designator

2021-024E

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:15:13 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

150.48°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

84.40°

Period

94.01 min

Mean Motion

15.32 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-2303

Alternative Name

Starlink 2303

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 47981U 21024E   26185.17723861  .00000145  00000-0  16444-4 0  9998
2 47981  53.1600 150.4775 0001250  84.4019 275.7125 15.31698133292472

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-2303, also known as Starlink 2303, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SPXS under the Starlink constellation. It was launched on March 24, 2021, from Launch Pad LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when fully deployed. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kilograms and a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (on prototypes), the satellite's propulsion system uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering. Its power supply comes from solar arrays and batteries, and it is designed to provide communication services. The configuration of the satellite is described as a box shape with a pan extension.

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-L22-05

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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