STARLINK-2271 (48008)

COSPAR: 2021-024AH | Alt Name: Starlink 2271
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-2271 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 24, 2021

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48008

International Designator

2021-024AH

Decay Date

5/11/2025

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2271

Alternative Name

Starlink 2271

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The Starlink-2271 satellite, also known as 2021-024AH and designated NORAD CAT ID 48008, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on March 24, 2021. Launched from the Air Force Eastern Test Range at Launch Pad LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a configuration of a box with panels and measures 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its components are extended. The satellite weighs 260 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 248 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion.

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-L22-32

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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