Space Brief 8 Dec 2024
Explore today's key space events including a SpaceX Starlink launch, Neuraspace's new telescope for space traffic monitoring, and Globalstar's defense-focused satellite service debut.
STARLINK-30971 (58443)
COSPAR: 2023-183G | Alt Name: Starlink 30971
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 28, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58443
International Designator
2023-183G
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:03:26 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
15.93°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
271.86°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30971
Alternative Name
Starlink 30971
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58443U 23183G 26200.79405323 -.00000206 00000+0 20378-5 0 9997
2 58443 43.0034 15.9308 0001106 271.8558 88.2167 15.27573682146931
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-30971, also known as Starlink 30971, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and launched on November 28, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It operates under the configuration of Starlink v2 Mini with a bus type of Starlink V2M. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters, with a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms and its launch mass is 730 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power comes from solar arrays and batteries, while it uses Argon ion thrusters as propulsion motors. The satellite is owned by SPXS and part of the Starlink Group 6-30-07 mission 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 6-30-07
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Preps Starlink 6-96 Launch, Starship TPS Testing Continues at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX readies Starlink 6-96 launch of 29 satellites from Cape Canaveral. Thermal Protection System evaluations underway at Starbase for next Starship prototypes. SpaceX IPO expected to reshape market.
A Tribute to Albert Einstein
Ask anyone on the street who the smartest person ever was, and most will say Albert Einstein. Exactly 71 years ago today, this genius departed from the world. Today, we examine Einstein's innumerable contributions to astronomy and how he shaped space history for years to come.
Space Brief 28 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's latest satellite launches, Blue Origin's expansion plans, and Purdue University's groundbreaking suborbital mission with Virgin Galactic.
X Report 2 Feb 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 43 Starlink satellites across two missions, marking significant achievements at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Bases.
X Report 26 Sep 2025
SpaceX has been active, with successful launches of Starlink satellites and major developments at Cape Canaveral, signaling a competitive edge in satellite communication and launch capabilities.
X Report 20 Oct 2025
SpaceX made significant strides with the successful launch of Starlink satellites and the approval for the redevelopment of SLC-6, reinforcing its foothold in commercial spaceflight.
New Glenn Upper Stage Fails, BlueBird 7 Lost, Space Brief 20 Apr 2026
New Glenn's upper stage malfunctioned April 19, stranding AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7; the satellite is lost. Vulcan may fly without solid boosters.