STARLINK-30221 (57418)

COSPAR: 2023-102Q | Alt Name: Starlink 30221

Image
STARLINK-30221 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

July 20, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

57418

International Designator

2023-102Q

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:28:26 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

231.82°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

270.01°

Period

94.27 min

Mean Motion

15.28 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-30221

Alternative Name

Starlink 30221

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 57418U 23102Q   26200.43641541  .00000787  00000+0  38120-4 0  9990
2 57418  43.0010 231.8213 0001639 270.0135  90.0529 15.27576040166300

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-30221 satellite, also known as Starlink 30221 and part of the Starlink Group 6-15-15 payload, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and launched on July 20, 2023. It was sent into orbit from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when its components are extended. With a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms, it is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology for communication purposes. It also features solar arrays and batteries for power generation and Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The shape of the satellite can be described as a box with a pan configuration.

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 6-15-15

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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