Starlink Powers Air Force One; Pentagon Orders 10,000 Cruise Missiles | KeepTrack Space Brief
Starlink confirmed operational aboard Air Force One over Pacific. Pentagon awards 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles to 4 contractors under new LCCMP program.
STARLINK-30050 (55695)
COSPAR: 2023-026A | Alt Name: Starlink 30050
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 27, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
55695
International Designator
2023-026A
Decay Date
7/27/2024
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30050
Alternative Name
Starlink 30050
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The Starlink-30050 satellite, designated 2023-026A under NORAD's tracking system, was launched on February 27, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and has the Bus type "Starlink V2M" with a configuration known as "Starlink v2 Mini." It measures approximately 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans 29 meters when its solar arrays are extended. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch, reducing to 700 kilograms after deployment (dry mass). Its payload includes Ku/Ka/E-band equipment for communication purposes alongside an optical inter-satellite link for high-speed data transfer between satellites. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering, it was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) for the mission of enhancing global internet connectivity through its 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
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29
Dry Mass
700
Launch Mass
730
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 6-1-01
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Starlink v2 Mini
Motor
Argon ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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