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STARLINK-2697 (48474)
COSPAR: 2021-040AY | Alt Name: Starlink 2697
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48474
International Designator
2021-040AY
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 04:59:18 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
9.64°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
85.39°
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-2697
Alternative Name
Starlink 2697
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48474U 21040AY 26185.20784876 .00001744 00000-0 67960-4 0 9996
2 48474 53.1586 9.6385 0000921 85.3904 274.7203 15.31695117284333
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2697 satellite, also known as Starlink 2697, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 9, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters when fully deployed. At launch, it had a mass of 260 kilograms, including its dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka-band payload (all) and optical inter-satellite links for some prototypes, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses krypton ion thrusters as propulsion. Its primary mission is to facilitate communication services.
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-L27-47
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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