Space Brief 27 Oct 2024
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.
STARLINK-30903 (58355)
COSPAR: 2023-177E | Alt Name: Starlink 30903
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 18, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58355
International Designator
2023-177E
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:56:43 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
325.08°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
254.66°
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-30903
Alternative Name
Starlink 30903
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58355U 23177E 26200.66438801 -.00000937 00000+0 -24519-4 0 9997
2 58355 43.0051 325.0815 0001649 254.6617 105.4052 15.27583541148412
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30903 satellite, also known as Starlink 30903, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the Starlink Group 6-28-05 payload. Launched on November 18, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload for communication purposes and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its shape resembles a box with panels, and it uses 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 6-28-05
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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