STARLINK-2231 (48577)

COSPAR: 2021-041AA | Alt Name: Starlink 2231

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

48577

International Designator

2021-041AA

Epoch

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 18:11:58 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

306.89°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

96.38°

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-2231

Alternative Name

Starlink 2231

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48577U 21041AA  26184.75831283  .00002428  00000-0  89941-4 0  9998

2 48577  53.1588 306.8933 0000910  96.3759 263.7346 15.31709420283055

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2231 satellite, also known as Starlink 2231, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on May 15, 2021, from LC39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 2.8 meters, and spans 9 meters. It weighs 260 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 248 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links on some prototypes, STARLINK-2231 is designed for communication purposes. Its propulsion system utilizes Krypton ion thrusters, and it generates power through solar arrays and batteries. The satellite was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and its shape consists of a box with additional panels.

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-L26-25

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

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