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STARLINK-30961 (58445)
COSPAR: 2023-183J | Alt Name: Starlink 30961
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 28, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58445
International Designator
2023-183J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:36:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
15.25°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
261.20°
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-30961
Alternative Name
Starlink 30961
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58445U 23183J 26200.81704073 .00001679 00000+0 70522-4 0 9995
2 58445 43.0042 15.2463 0001344 261.1971 98.8729 15.27590423146946
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30961 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and the Starlink Group 6-30-09 payload. It was launched on November 28, 2023, from the AFETR site's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms, with a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite's equipment includes Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities along with an optical inter-satellite link. Manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity, STARLINK-30961 is designed to provide communication services from its orbit.
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 6-30-09
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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