Space Brief 28 Dec 2025
Exploring the future of space with concerns on space debris, rapid growth in orbital data centers, and new developments at launch sites.
STARLINK-30293 (57649)
COSPAR: 2023-122T | Alt Name: Starlink 30293
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 17, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57649
International Designator
2023-122T
Decay Date
5/9/2024
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30293
Alternative Name
Starlink 30293
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-30293 satellite, also known as Starlink 30293, is a communications satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on August 17, 2023, from the LC40 pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters. It weighs approximately 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities, optical inter-satellite links, solar arrays, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite is designed to support global communications as part of SpaceX's Starlink 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 6-10-18
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
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