Space Brief 23 Mar 2025
Discover today's fascinating space events, from exceptional aurora displays to potential exomoon formations, alongside intriguing satellite insights.
STARLINK-30495 (57968)
COSPAR: 2023-151E | Alt Name: Starlink 30495
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 30, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57968
International Designator
2023-151E
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:21:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
308.72°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
275.77°
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-30495
Alternative Name
Starlink 30495
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57968U 23151E 26201.01495256 -.00000564 00000+0 -10988-4 0 9996
2 57968 43.0015 308.7220 0001011 275.7715 84.3021 15.27573412156006
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30495 satellite, also known as Starlink 30495, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on September 30, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, it has a span of 29 meters and a dry mass of 700 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities along with an optical inter-satellite link and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. It uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and was manufactured by SPXS, which also owns the satellite as part of its Starlink Group 6-19-05 mission.
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 6-19-05
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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