Space Brief 24 May 2025
Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.
STARLINK-30944 (58451)
COSPAR: 2023-183Q | Alt Name: Starlink 30944
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 28, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58451
International Designator
2023-183Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:42:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
15.28°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.33°
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-30944
Alternative Name
Starlink 30944
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58451U 23183Q 26200.82088977 .00005331 00000+0 20309-3 0 9997
2 58451 43.0017 15.2766 0001904 270.3307 89.7327 15.27585213146919
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30944 satellite, also known as Starlink 30944, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-30-15 payload. It was launched on November 28, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 (AFETR LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters due to its deployable solar arrays or antennas. It weighs approximately 730 kilograms at launch, reducing to a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and carries Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and owned by the same entity, serving communication purposes as part of its mission 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.
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 6-30-15
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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