Space Brief 20 Aug 2024
Polaris Dawn's upcoming commercial spacewalk, successful lunar orbit by Chinese spacecraft, and more space news including SpaceX's Starlink mission, RFA's static-fire failure, and advances in satellite technology.
STARLINK-30597 (58078)
COSPAR: 2023-160D | Alt Name: Starlink 30597
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 18, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58078
International Designator
2023-160D
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:51:07 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
61.48°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
255.60°
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-30597
Alternative Name
Starlink 30597
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58078U 23160D 26199.03549896 -.00000343 00000+0 -29268-5 0 9994
2 58078 43.0019 61.4829 0001604 255.6013 104.4661 15.27576560152880
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30597 satellite, also known as Starlink 30597, is a communication satellite under the Starlink V2M configuration, specifically designed for the Starlink v2 Mini mission. Launched on October 18, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a bus length of 0.3 meters and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kg dry mass and had an initial launch mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), it serves a communication purpose in its 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 6-23-04
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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