Space Brief 23 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the U.S. Space Force's substantial investments in commercial satellite services, a strategic military shift, Chinese space station upgrades, and NASA's policy changes.
STARLINK-30947 (58473)
COSPAR: 2023-186A | Alt Name: Starlink 30947
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58473
International Designator
2023-186A
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:56:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
46.11°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.68°
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-30947
Alternative Name
Starlink 30947
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58473U 23186A 26199.91389207 .00000309 00000+0 20754-4 0 9996
2 58473 43.0033 46.1127 0001532 270.6808 89.3868 15.27577767145922
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30947 is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, designated OBJECT_ID 2023-186A and NORAD_CAT_ID 58473. Launched on December 3, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its power comes from solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," and it was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) for communication purposes.
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 6-31-01
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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