STARLINK-30873 (58249)

COSPAR: 2023-171V | Alt Name: Starlink 30873

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

November 8, 2023

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58249

International Designator

2023-171V

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:26:58 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

261.17°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

270.52°

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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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-30873

Alternative Name

Starlink 30873

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 58249U 23171V   26200.43539668  .00000899  00000+0  42205-4 0  9998

2 58249  43.0039 261.1719 0001680 270.5222  89.5437 15.27579694149882

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-30873 satellite, also known as Starlink 30873, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on November 8, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It carries a Starlink v2 Mini configuration (BUS) equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg and its launch mass was 730 kg. Power generation comes from solar arrays and batteries. It operates in low Earth orbit for communication purposes as part of the Starlink Group 6-27-20 mission, contributing to SpaceX’s constellation network.

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

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 6-27-20

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

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