Space Brief 6 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers various military applications of climate-monitoring satellites, new defense strategies against unmanned threats, and the potential impacts of geopolitical tensions on orbit.
STARLINK-30591 (58088)
COSPAR: 2023-160P | Alt Name: Starlink 30591
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 18, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58088
International Designator
2023-160P
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:43:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
51.13°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.39°
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-30591
Alternative Name
Starlink 30591
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58088U 23160P 26200.86375184 .00000409 00000+0 24401-4 0 9990
2 58088 43.0030 51.1335 0001720 266.3897 93.6758 15.27576447153162
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30591 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite, classified under the BUS type Starlink V2M and manufactured by SPXS for communication purposes. Launched on October 18, 2023, from AFETR Launch Site LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power supply. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, utilizing Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," and it operates under the Starlink Group 6-23-14 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 6-23-14
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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