STARLINK-30438 (58035)

COSPAR: 2023-156H | Alt Name: Starlink 30438

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

October 9, 2023

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58035

International Designator

2023-156H

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:44:27 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

182.43°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

87.48°

Period

94.11 min

Mean Motion

15.30 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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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-30438

Alternative Name

Starlink 30438

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 58035U 23156H   26201.23921142  .00002058  00000+0  81607-4 0  9993

2 58035  53.1599 182.4287 0001082  87.4836 272.6289 15.30191076156566

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-30438 satellite, also known as Starlink 30438, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the broader Starlink V2M bus category. Launched on October 9, 2023, from SLC4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite was manufactured by SPXS and has a mission focused on communication services. It has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power supply, along with Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg while its launch mass was 730 kg. It features a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and has the shape of a box with a pan configuration. The owner and operator are SPXS.

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

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 7-4-08

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

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