STARLINK-2276 (48601)

COSPAR: 2021-041BA | Alt Name: Starlink 2276
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-2276 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 15, 2021

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

48601

International Designator

2021-041BA

Decay Date

8/25/2021

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-2276

Alternative Name

Starlink 2276

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The satellite STARLINK-2276 (OBJECT_ID: 2021-041BA) is a Starlink communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and launched on May 15, 2021, from LC39A at AFETR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.2 meters in length, 2.8 meters in diameter, and spans 9 meters when its components are deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 260 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities (with optical inter-satellite links on prototypes), it uses krypton ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries for power. Its shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, and the satellite’s primary purpose is communication.

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-L26-49

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

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