STARLINK-2571 (48401)

COSPAR: 2021-038BA | Alt Name: Starlink 2571

Image
STARLINK-2571 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 4, 2021

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48401

International Designator

2021-038BA

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 09:47:53 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

154.50°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

96.97°

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-2571

Alternative Name

Starlink 2571

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48401U 21038BA  26184.40826088  .00003992  00000-0  14022-3 0  9993
2 48401  53.1573 154.5027 0001169  96.9734 263.1400 15.31723581285166

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-2571 satellite, also known as Starlink 2571 and designated by NORAD as CAT ID 48401, was launched on May 4, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was designed for communication purposes. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. Weighing 260 kilograms at launch, its dry mass is recorded as 248 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload systems and optical inter-satellite links on prototypes. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters and it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), STARLINK-2571 has a box plus pan shape configuration, designed to provide global communication services as part of the Starlink mission.

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-L25-49

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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