Space Brief 3 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's continued Starlink expansions, Japan's successful Michibiki satellite launch, and challenges faced by India's navigation satellite. Stay updated on crucial satellite events and launches.
STARLINK-2227 (48575)
COSPAR: 2021-041Y | Alt Name: Starlink 2227
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 15, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48575
International Designator
2021-041Y
Epoch
Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:36:32 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
269.29°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
78.50°
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-2227
Alternative Name
Starlink 2227
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48575U 21041Y 26184.52537578 -.00003954 00000-0 -11574-3 0 9994
2 48575 53.1584 269.2861 0001257 78.5033 281.6109 15.31694069283578
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-2227 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink fleet, identified by NORAD CAT ID 48575 and OBJECT ID 2021-041Y. Launched on May 15, 2021, from Launch Complex 39A at AFETR using Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 248 kg and was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). The spacecraft measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and a span of 9 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities and optical inter-satellite links, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its propulsion system includes Krypton ion thrusters. The satellite reached stable orbit on May 16, 2021, and its primary mission is communication support.
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-L26-23
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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