Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
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STARLINK-30818 (58217)
COSPAR: 2023-170M | Alt Name: Starlink 30818
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58217
International Designator
2023-170M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:19:13 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
171.02°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.88°
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-30818
Alternative Name
Starlink 30818
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58217U 23170M 26200.26335516 .00001039 00000+0 47289-4 0 9993
2 58217 43.0020 171.0224 0001399 270.8774 89.1917 15.27576586150427
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30818, also known as Starlink 30818, is a communication satellite from the US, manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink Group 6-26-12 payload. Launched on November 3, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg, with a total launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 6-26-12
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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