Space Brief 7 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include new ESA Euclid data, upcoming Blue Origin flight, and multiple Starlink launches, delivering fresh satellite tracking opportunities.
STARLINK-30501 (57917)
COSPAR: 2023-147E | Alt Name: Starlink 30501
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 24, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57917
International Designator
2023-147E
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:06:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
301.58°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
277.31°
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
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30501
Alternative Name
Starlink 30501
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57917U 23147E 26200.33807845 -.00007659 00000+0 -26911-3 0 9994
2 57917 43.0015 301.5835 0001771 277.3102 82.7548 15.27576968156751
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30501 satellite, also known as Starlink 30501, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-18-05 payload group. It was launched on September 24, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It weighs 700 kilograms when dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload systems and an optical inter-satellite link, it is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system.
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 6-18-05
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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