STARLINK-30472 (57901)

COSPAR: 2023-146L | Alt Name: Starlink 30472

Image
STARLINK-30472 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 20, 2023

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

57901

International Designator

2023-146L

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:39:01 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

285.62°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

279.13°

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-30472

Alternative Name

Starlink 30472

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 57901U 23146L   26200.61042880  .00000192  00000+0  16510-4 0  9995
2 57901  43.0014 285.6169 0001186 279.1341  80.9376 15.27577239156212

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-30472 satellite, also known as Starlink 30472, was launched on September 20, 2023, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from Launch Pad LC40. This communication satellite is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and an impressive span of 29 meters. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), it carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and weighed 730 kilograms at launch.

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 6-17-11

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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