The Day a Jupiter-Bound Spacecraft Traveled Past Venus
Thirty-five years ago, NASA's Galileo spacecraft made a crucial flyby of Venus, pioneering a complex path through the inner solar system that would revolutionize planetary exploration
STARLINK-30498 (57971)
COSPAR: 2023-151H | Alt Name: Starlink 30498
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 30, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57971
International Designator
2023-151H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:25:11 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
310.52°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
266.67°
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-30498
Alternative Name
Starlink 30498
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57971U 23151H 26200.68416414 -.00000491 00000+0 -83212-5 0 9991
2 57971 43.0038 310.5242 0001521 266.6681 93.3997 15.27573689155958
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30498 satellite, also known as Starlink 30498, is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-19-08 payload. It was launched on September 30, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. It features equipment such as Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms, with a launch mass of 730 kilograms. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity, STARLINK-30498 operates in a box plus pan shape configuration designed primarily for communication purposes.
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 6-19-08
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 6 Jun 2025
Today's SpaceX Brief highlights the imminent launch of the Ax-4 mission, notable milestones in Falcon rocket history, and the impact of political tensions on SpaceX operations.
Vulcan Centaur Launches GSSAP Surveillance Satellites for Space Force | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA Vulcan Centaur launches USSF-87 with two GSSAP surveillance satellites to near-GEO orbit. NRO expands commercial imaging. Integrate raises $17M for classified platform.
Musk Outlines Starship Tower Catch Plan, February Ends With 83 Sats | KeepTrack X Report
Elon Musk confirms Starship V3 tower catch attempt plans with SN1 headed for ground tests. SpaceX wraps February with 83 Starlink satellites across three launches. 9,826 sats on orbit.
X Report 31 Jan 2025
SpaceX's Starlink sparks market shifts and celestial awe as iPhones gain new connectivity and a satellite ignites the night sky.
X Report 25 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched NASA's TRACERS mission while Starlink faced a brief global outage, affecting users worldwide.
ULA Launches 29 Amazon Kuiper Satellites; Falcon Heavy Returns | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Atlas V deployed 29 Amazon Kuiper LEO satellites on April 27. Falcon Heavy returns this week with ViaSat-3 F3. Six orbital launches scheduled across three continents.
Space Brief 30 Oct 2024
Today's briefing covers China's successful Shenzhou 19 launch to the Tiangong space station, NASA's upcoming spacewalks plan after a spacesuit issue, and innovative propulsion research for space journeys.