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STARLINK-2221 (48571)
COSPAR: 2021-041U | Alt Name: Starlink 2221
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48571
International Designator
2021-041U
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 19:04:17 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
319.36°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.62°
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-2221
Alternative Name
Starlink 2221
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48571U 21041U 26184.79464776 .00003266 00000-0 11697-3 0 9998
2 48571 53.1602 319.3641 0002349 82.6186 277.5082 15.31706278282889
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2221 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink series, operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 15, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter with a span of 9 meters, featuring a box plus pan shape. It carries a Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power, it weighs 248 kg dry and had a launch mass of 260 kg. The satellite employs Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and is designed to facilitate communication services as part of SpaceX's broader constellation mission.
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-L26-19
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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