STARLINK-30172 (57410)

COSPAR: 2023-102G | Alt Name: Starlink 30172

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

July 20, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

57410

International Designator

2023-102G

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:46:33 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

223.28°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

283.12°

Period

94.27 min

Mean Motion

15.28 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-30172

Alternative Name

Starlink 30172

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 57410U 23102G   26200.78232825  .00001320  00000+0  57526-4 0  9996

2 57410  43.0030 223.2817 0001539 283.1214  76.9465 15.27561687166438

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-30172 satellite, also known as Starlink 30172, is a communication satellite designed under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on July 20, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with an overall span of 29 meters when its solar arrays are extended. It features Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities, including optical inter-satellite links for enhanced communication efficiency. The dry mass of the satellite is 700 kilograms, while its launch mass was 730 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. This satellite serves as part of SpaceX's broader Starlink constellation aimed at providing global internet coverage.

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

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 6-15-07

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

Map

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

STS-51B | Three-Tenths of a Second from Disaster

Forty years ago today, Challenger lifted off LC-39A on a science mission that nobody outside Morton-Thiokol would call dangerous. Years later, after the orbiter and seven other astronauts were gone, investigators looked at the recovered boosters from STS-51B and realized the crew had come within a fraction of a second of dying first. This is the story of the launch that should have been a warning.

Space Brief 14 Mar 2025

Today’s highlights include new defense initiatives in the U.S., potential strategic shifts in Europe, and the establishment of council to counter security threats.

X Report 22 Jul 2025

Critical updates from SpaceX include a scrubbed satellite launch and a busy launch schedule for the week, featuring multiple Falcon 9 missions.

X Report 8 Nov 2024

SpaceX makes strides with Starship testing while Starlink faces mounting competition as Viasat eyes Telesat's LEO capacity.

SpaceX Wins $57M Golden Dome Crosslink Deal, X Report 24 Apr 2026

SpaceX military contract: $57M to demo Link-182 waveform satellite crosslinks for Golden Dome missile defense. FCC denies its spectrum bid.

Rocket Lab Neutron Targets Q4 2026 Debut, Space Brief 9 May 2026

Rocket Lab Neutron's first launch is targeted for Q4 2026 after a tank test failure, backed by a new 5-launch deal. Plus Globalstar's 1,410 km refresh.

X Report 28 Nov 2024

SpaceX advances with Starship, gains FCC approval for new services, and predicts a future shift in spacecraft dominance.

Space Brief 27 May 2025

Today's Space Brief highlights advances in satellite communication for defense, regulatory changes for Starlink in South Africa, SpaceX's ongoing Starlink launches, and a significant contract for a Chinese satellite constellation.