Rocket Lab Neutron Books 5 Launches, Space Brief 8 May 2026
Rocket Lab Neutron launch schedule holds at Q4 2026 for the first flight as a five-launch contract lands; barge recovery starts on flight two.
STARLINK-30502 (57973)
COSPAR: 2023-151K | Alt Name: Starlink 30502
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 30, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57973
International Designator
2023-151K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:19:38 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
310.50°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
277.37°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-30502
Alternative Name
Starlink 30502
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57973U 23151K 26200.68030682 -.00001192 00000+0 -33811-4 0 9990
2 57973 43.0044 310.4994 0001348 277.3688 82.7011 15.27573127155959
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-30502 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-151K) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on September 30, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The spacecraft's shape is described as Box + pan, and it is owned by SpaceX under the Starlink Group 6-19-10 constellation.
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 6-19-10
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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