Space Brief 25 Jul 2025
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STARLINK-30601 (58117)
COSPAR: 2023-161W | Alt Name: Starlink 30601
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58117
International Designator
2023-161W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:09:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
273.69°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
97.46°
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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30601
Alternative Name
Starlink 30601
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58117U 23161W 26200.46514140 .00000757 00000+0 37700-4 0 9999
2 58117 53.1581 273.6877 0000943 97.4640 262.6468 15.30191327154593
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30601 satellite, also known as Starlink 30601, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on October 21, 2023. It belongs to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was deployed from Vandenberg Space Force Base, using Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E pad. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length, with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans up to 29 meters due to its solar arrays or antenna deployment. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering and is powered by solar arrays complemented by batteries. The mission aims to provide communication services as part of SpaceX's broader Starlink constellation project.
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 7-5-21
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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