STARLINK-30491 (57916)

COSPAR: 2023-147D | Alt Name: Starlink 30491
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-30491 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

September 24, 2023

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

57916

International Designator

2023-147D

Decay Date

8/5/2024

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-30491

Alternative Name

Starlink 30491

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
STARLINK-30491, also known as Starlink 30491, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SPXS. Launched on September 24, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a configuration known as Starlink v2 Mini. Its dimensions include a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms while its launch mass was 730 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power generation comes from solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Argon ion thrusters as motors for propulsion. The satellite's shape can be described as a box with a pan arrangement.

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 6-18-04

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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