X Report 14 Nov 2024
SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 6 as it readies another doubleheader Starlink launch day, while NASA navigates a complex presidential transition.
STARLINK-2226 (48010)
COSPAR: 2021-024AK | Alt Name: Starlink 2226
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48010
International Designator
2021-024AK
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:29:09 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
150.66°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
85.65°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2226
Alternative Name
Starlink 2226
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48010U 21024AK 26185.18691863 -.00001167 00000-0 -25827-4 0 9991
2 48010 53.1584 150.6552 0001348 85.6539 274.4616 15.31716280292419
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2226 satellite, also known as Starlink 2226, is a communication spacecraft operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 24, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s LC40 launch pad using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch and carries a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, optical inter-satellite links, and krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, it is designed for communication purposes and powered by solar arrays and batteries.
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-L22-34
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 13 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches a doubleheader of satellites while Blue Origin prepares for a historic all-female spaceflight. Also, meet FORMOSAT-5 in our Satellite Spotlight.
Space Beyond Books SpaceX Rideshare for Memorial Cubesat Mission | KeepTrack X Report
Space Beyond secures SpaceX rideshare launch slot for October 2027 memorial cubesat mission. Starlink constellation at 11,009 total satellites launched with 9,551 currently on orbit.
X Report 8 Nov 2024
SpaceX makes strides with Starship testing while Starlink faces mounting competition as Viasat eyes Telesat's LEO capacity.
Army Recruiting 1,000 Space Specialists Alongside Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief
Army launches space career field seeking 1,000 new specialists. HASC chair Rogers eyes $1.5T defense budget. Army and Marines share fire mission data via JADC2.
X Report 28 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues its ambitious satellite deployment schedule with two successful Starlink launches in just 24 hours, enhancing global connectivity.
X Report 3 Dec 2025
SpaceX completes multiple successful launches, enhancing its Starlink constellation with new satellites while resolving personnel issues related to Crew 12.
The Day That Changed Spaceflight Forever
Thirty-nine years ago, the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger and its seven crew members forever transformed our approach to spaceflight safety and risk management