SpaceX and Starlink
This article delves into SpaceX's incredible journey from its inception to becoming a space industry leader, and its Starlink project's mission to provide global internet access.
STARLINK-30178 (57447)
COSPAR: 2023-105T | Alt Name: Starlink 30178
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 24, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57447
International Designator
2023-105T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:06:42 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
233.97°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
279.85°
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
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30178
Alternative Name
Starlink 30178
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57447U 23105T 26200.79632198 .00000406 00000+0 24285-4 0 9997
2 57447 43.0003 233.9672 0001128 279.8472 80.2252 15.27574895165781
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30178 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, designated BUS type Starlink V2M and launched on July 24, 2023 from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), the satellite operates in a box + pan shape configuration for its mission of providing global internet coverage as part of the Starlink Group 6-6-18 constellation.
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 6-6-18
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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