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STARLINK-2706 (48481)
COSPAR: 2021-040BF | Alt Name: Starlink 2706
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 9, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48481
International Designator
2021-040BF
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:43:08 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
13.37°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.28°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2706
Alternative Name
Starlink 2706
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48481U 21040BF 26184.77995668 .00000775 00000-0 36730-4 0 9992
2 48481 53.1594 13.3699 0001308 82.2773 277.8377 15.31698042284257
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-2706 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-040BF) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 9, 2021, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg. The satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans 9 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload systems (all) and optical inter-satellite links (prototypes). Its power comes from solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system for propulsion. The satellite's shape consists of a box with an added pan structure.
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-L27-54
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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