STARLINK-2187 (48562)

COSPAR: 2021-041K | Alt Name: Starlink 2187

Image
STARLINK-2187 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 15, 2021

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48562

International Designator

2021-041K

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 06:25:39 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.15°

Right Ascension

292.72°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

32.40°

Period

91.72 min

Mean Motion

15.70 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2187

Alternative Name

Starlink 2187

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 48562U 21041K   26185.26781947  .00112726  00000-0  90922-3 0  9993
2 48562  53.1537 292.7153 0001516  32.4015 327.7096 15.70065043283309

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-2187 satellite, also known as Starlink 2187, is a communication satellite under the Starlink constellation, manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 15, 2021, from Launch Pad LC39A 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 has a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, while its launch mass was 260 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload systems (all), optical inter-satellite links (prototypes), krypton ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays, and batteries for power supply. The satellite achieved stability on May 16, 2021, and its primary mission is communication.

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-L26-10

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
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

SpaceX IPO Surges 20%; China Debuts Tallest Rocket | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX IPO Surges 20%; China Debuts Tallest Rocket | KeepTrack Space Brief

SpaceX shares jump 20% on first trading day after historic IPO. China launches tallest rocket while LandSpace preps second landing attempt. Tracking data.

Space Brief 19 May 2025

Space Brief 19 May 2025

Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.

SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Crosslink Deal, X Report 24 Apr 2026

SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Crosslink Deal, X Report 24 Apr 2026

SpaceX military contract: $57M to demo Link-182 waveform satellite crosslinks for Golden Dome missile defense. FCC denies its spectrum bid.

Space Brief 2 Feb 2025

Space Brief 2 Feb 2025

Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.

Falcon Heavy Attempts ViaSat-3 F3 Launch After Weather Scrub | KeepTrack X Report

Falcon Heavy Attempts ViaSat-3 F3 Launch After Weather Scrub | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy targets a second launch attempt for ViaSat-3 F3, while Artemis III slips to late 2027 and Musk earns a Mars milestone bonus.

X Report 21 Jul 2025

X Report 21 Jul 2025

SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites into polar orbit, enhancing global coverage. Meanwhile, NASA's Crew-11 is now in quarantine ahead of their upcoming ISS mission.

X Report 11 Mar 2025

X Report 11 Mar 2025

A week of highs and lows for SpaceX, including weather-related delays and a return to Falcon launches.

SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Makes Debut Flight | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Makes Debut Flight | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX's secretive Starfall reentry demo launched June 23 as Starmind AI constellation targets 1M orbital compute nodes.