STARLINK-2241 (48586)

COSPAR: 2021-041AK | Alt Name: Starlink 2241

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

48586

International Designator

2021-041AK

Epoch

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 02:56:52 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

327.21°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

88.20°

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-2241

Alternative Name

Starlink 2241

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 48586U 21041AK  26185.12282451 -.00000179  00000-0  60048-5 0  9997

2 48586  53.1622 327.2097 0001346  88.2027 271.9128 15.31700534282789

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-2241 satellite, also known as Starlink 2241 and operated by SpaceX (SPXS), is a communications satellite launched on May 15, 2021, from Launch Pad LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters with its deployed solar arrays. The satellite's dry mass is 248 kilograms, with a launch mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (all) and optical inter-satellite links (on prototypes), it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and relies on solar arrays and batteries for power. Launched as part of the Starlink constellation under the mission designation Starlink V1.0-L26-34, its primary purpose is to provide communication services.

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-L26-34

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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Longitude

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