STARLINK-2684 (48471)

COSPAR: 2021-040AV | Alt Name: Starlink 2684

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 9, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48471

International Designator

2021-040AV

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:19:16 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

8.87°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

93.47°

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-2684

Alternative Name

Starlink 2684

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48471U 21040AV  26185.22172041  .00018186  00000-0  59654-3 0  9998

2 48471  53.1606   8.8698 0001309  93.4731 266.6420 15.31691674284357

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2684 satellite, also known as Starlink 2684, is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 9, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length, with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it has a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload technology and optical inter-satellite links (in prototype form), the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and krypton ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's primary mission is communication within SpaceX's Starlink constellation, using a box plus pan shape design without additional details on major events or material composition provided.

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

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-L27-44

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

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Longitude

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