Second Starlink Debris Anomaly in 3 Months | KeepTrack X Report
A second Starlink satellite malfunction in just over three months has generated on-orbit debris, raising fresh questions about SpaceX's 10,151-strong working constellation.
STARLINK-2715 (48697)
COSPAR: 2021-044BM | Alt Name: Starlink 2715
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 26, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48697
International Designator
2021-044BM
Decay Date
8/11/2024
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2715
Alternative Name
Starlink 2715
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-2715 satellite, also known as Starlink 2715, is part of the Starlink constellation and was launched on May 26, 2021, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.2 meters in length and 2.8 meters in diameter, it features a span of 9 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and was equipped with Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. Its propulsion system consists of Krypton ion thrusters while its power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. Manufactured by SpaceX, the primary mission of STARLINK-2715 is to facilitate global internet communication services as part of the broader Starlink network.
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-L28-60
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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