X Report 1 Feb 2025
Exciting SpaceX updates include the arrival of Athena moon lander, SPHEREx telescope's upcoming launch, and SpaceX's GigaBay development.
STARLINK-2224 (48573)
COSPAR: 2021-041W | Alt Name: Starlink 2224
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48573
International Designator
2021-041W
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:41:43 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
305.90°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
84.27°
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-2224
Alternative Name
Starlink 2224
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48573U 21041W 26185.07064306 -.00002239 00000-0 -60396-4 0 9999
2 48573 53.1614 305.8977 0001123 84.2679 275.8450 15.31713110283097
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-2224 satellite, also known as Starlink 2224, was launched on May 15, 2021, from the Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of SpaceX’s Starlink constellation and serves communication purposes. The satellite has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and a span of 9 meters. With a dry mass of 248 kg and a launch mass of 260 kg, it is equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload and optical inter-satellite links for communication. It also features Krypton ion thrusters as its motor system and utilizes solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and reached operational stability on May 16, 2021.
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-L26-21
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 23 May 2025
The FAA has approved Starship Flight 9, paving the way for an upcoming test launch, while SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft is set to undock from the ISS after weather delays.
X Report 4 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship's ninth flight with a reused booster, Fram2 astronauts share stunning orbital views, and SpaceX secures new NASA contracts for the Starship.
The Day We First Landed on Venus
On December 15, 1970, a battered Soviet probe accomplished something no spacecraft had done before - it survived landing on another world and lived to tell about it.
Space Brief 16 Jun 2025
Today's update covers NASA's Ax-4 mission preparations, ESA's satellite imaging program, Ursa Major's military contract, and China's expanding nuclear arsenal.
X Report 19 Jan 2025
SpaceX prepares to launch 27 Starlink satellites in its first mission since the recent Starship explosion, while the FAA investigates debris reports from the failed test flight.
JSC Vimpel
An analysis of Russia's independent space tracking system and how it compares to the established U.S. Space Surveillance Network
Space Brief 6 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers secret Space Force payloads monitoring China's satellites, collaborations reducing satellite tracking delays, and new AI projects for military operations.