Space Brief 6 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers a diverse range of topics, including reentry mission approvals, leadership changes in the Space Development Agency, and innovative military satellite communications.
STARLINK-30850 (58247)
COSPAR: 2023-171T | Alt Name: Starlink 30850
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 8, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58247
International Designator
2023-171T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:25:07 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
261.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.09°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-30850
Alternative Name
Starlink 30850
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58247U 23171T 26200.43411216 .00000874 00000+0 41303-4 0 9995
2 58247 43.0033 261.1623 0001590 271.0921 88.9748 15.27579549149887
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30850 satellite, also known as Starlink 30850, is a communication satellite under the ownership and manufacture of SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on November 8, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it belongs to the Starlink Group 6-27-18. It has a configuration known as Starlink v2 Mini and is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. The satellite features solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its dimensions include a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. It has a launch mass of 730 kg and a dry mass of 700 kg. For propulsion, it utilizes Argon ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," indicating its structural design.
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 6-27-18
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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