The Day Earth Became a Pale Blue Dot
Thirty-five years ago, Voyager 1 captured a revolutionary series of images from the edge of our solar system, forever changing how humanity sees its place in the cosmos
STARLINK-30473 (57893)
COSPAR: 2023-146C | Alt Name: Starlink 30473
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 20, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57893
International Designator
2023-146C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:22:40 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
290.99°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
274.67°
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
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30473
Alternative Name
Starlink 30473
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57893U 23146C 26200.30741329 .00000273 00000+0 19446-4 0 9996
2 57893 43.0040 290.9947 0001280 274.6714 85.3991 15.27574552157187
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30473 satellite, also known as Starlink 30473, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on September 20, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It features solar arrays and batteries for power supply and Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans 29 meters.
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 6-17-03
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 12 Mar 2025
SpaceX successfully launches NASA missions, prepares for Crew-10 flight, and overcomes Falcon 9 launch anomalies.
Space Brief 27 Aug 2025
Today's key space events include SpaceX's launch of the secretive X-37B military drone, XTAR's U.S. defense market strategy, and China's space station AI upgrade.
Who Owns the Most Satellites Orbiting Earth?
Uncover the top companies dominating the satellite industry. From SpaceX to One Web, learn who's leading in space assets. Full list inside.
China Plans First One-Year Human Spaceflight Mission | KeepTrack Space Brief
China confirms first one-year human spaceflight and Pakistani astronaut for Tiangong. Air Force develops X-68A missile-launching drone. Poland unveils $51B defense spending plan.
Space Brief 6 May 2025
Today's brief covers a significant hypersonic flight by Stratolaunch, the US Space Force's missile warning upgrades, and major government space investments.
SpaceX and xAI Tapped for Pentagon's $100M Drone Contest | KeepTrack X Report
Pentagon selects SpaceX and xAI for $100M autonomous drone competition. Two Falcon 9 rockets launch Starlink sats from California and Florida. 11,215 total Starlink satellites launched.
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.