X Report 24 May 2025
SpaceX experiences a setback with Starship Flight 8 while continuing its Starlink deployment efforts with a successful launch from California.
STARLINK-30446 (57872)
COSPAR: 2023-144J | Alt Name: Starlink 30446
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 16, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57872
International Designator
2023-144J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:07:33 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
244.77°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
265.76°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30446
Alternative Name
Starlink 30446
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57872U 23144J 26200.83857764 -.00000424 00000+0 -58732-5 0 9992
2 57872 43.0032 244.7721 0001510 265.7595 94.3084 15.27574655157745
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30446 satellite, also known as Starlink 30446, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on September 16, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, it has a bus type of Starlink V2M. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It features an equipment payload consisting of Ku/Ka/E-band systems along with optical inter-satellite links. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms, while its launch mass was 730 kilograms. Power comes from solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan design, and it serves communication purposes 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.
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 6-16-09
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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