The 10 Most Iconic Satellites Still in Space
Let's look at the legacy of space exploration with the 10 most iconic satellites still orbiting Earth.
STARLINK-30881 (58251)
COSPAR: 2023-171X | Alt Name: Starlink 30881
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 8, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58251
International Designator
2023-171X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:38:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
261.14°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
274.31°
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-30881
Alternative Name
Starlink 30881
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58251U 23171X 26200.44309617 .00000136 00000+0 14471-4 0 9999
2 58251 43.0022 261.1423 0001529 274.3146 85.7531 15.27573877149888
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30881 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite, designated 2023-171X and launched on November 8, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using the 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. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays for power generation, and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its primary mission is communication within the Starlink Group 6-27-22 constellation.
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 6-27-22
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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