Space Brief 13 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's launch delay, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink mission, and highlights the YAOGAN-43 O1C satellite.
STARLINK-2443 (48107)
COSPAR: 2021-027R | Alt Name: Starlink 2443
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 7, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48107
International Designator
2021-027R
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:28:30 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
332.71°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
116.83°
Period
94.02 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-2443
Alternative Name
Starlink 2443
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48107U 21027R 26184.76980161 -.00018191 00000-0 -57652-3 0 9991
2 48107 53.1615 332.7117 0001060 116.8300 243.2810 15.31662698290461
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2443 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-027R) is a Starlink communications satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on April 7, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Launch Complex 40 (LC40), using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and weighed 260 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links (on prototypes), it uses krypton ion thrusters for maneuvering and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, suitable for its communication mission objectives 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.
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-L23-16
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
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