STARLINK-2217 (48568)

COSPAR: 2021-041R | Alt Name: Starlink 2217

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 15, 2021

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48568

International Designator

2021-041R

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:17:06 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

307.88°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

71.68°

Period

94.01 min

Mean Motion

15.32 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2217

Alternative Name

Starlink 2217

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48568U 21041R   26184.59521458 -.00001131  00000-0 -24699-4 0  9991

2 48568  53.1605 307.8828 0000967  71.6842 288.4264 15.31698962283028

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-2217 satellite, identified by NORAD CAT ID 48568 and OBJECT ID 2021-041R, is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink constellation owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 15, 2021, from LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters. Its dry mass is 248 kilograms, and it was launched with a mass of 260 kilograms. The payload includes Ku/Ka-band communications equipment along with optical inter-satellite links, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It employs Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box-shaped body with solar panels. The satellite's mission is to provide communication services as part of SpaceX’s broader Starlink project aiming to establish global internet coverage.

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-L26-16

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.

Latitude

Longitude

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.

Space Brief 5 May 2025

Today's brief covers the Army's move to create a space career field for enlisted soldiers, Terran Orbital's involvement in a Space Force tech program, advancements in missile warning systems, a first flight test by Inversion Space, and more.

Space Brief 10 Nov 2024

Long March 2C launches four PIESAT-2 radar satellites, Gilmour Space secures Australia's first orbital launch permit, NASA extends ISS cargo contracts through 2030, ESA and Arianespace face industry crossroads.

Space Brief 4 Mar 2025

Today's brief covers the historic lunar touchdown by Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander, highlights in military space activity, and a reflection on Pearl Young's pioneering legacy at NASA.

Shotwell Details xAI Power Pledge at White House | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell joined Trump at the White House to outline xAI's energy commitment, while Transporter-18 targets October 2026 launch.

X Report 4 Jul 2025

SpaceX continues to make strides in satellite deployment with a successful launch. The European Space Agency's new satellite enhances global atmospheric forecasting, showcasing the expanding role of launches in improving environmental monitoring.

STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster

Forty years ago today, Challenger lifted off LC-39A on a science mission that nobody outside Morton-Thiokol would call dangerous. Years later, after the orbiter and seven other astronauts were gone, investigators looked at the recovered boosters from STS-51B and realized the crew had come within a fraction of a second of dying first. This is the story of the launch that should have been a warning.

X Report 10 Jun 2025

Exciting advancements from SpaceX include the debut of a new Dragon capsule for Axiom Space, continued Starlink deployments, and significant shifts in U.S. rural broadband funding that could benefit Starlink.

SpaceX Stock Eyed for US Kids' Savings Accounts | KeepTrack X Report

Trump reportedly asked Musk to donate SpaceX equity to seed children's savings accounts as Starlink tops 10,706 working satellites in orbit.