Space Brief 17 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers developments involving Space Force officials, Sierra Space's satellite milestone, and Voyager Space's rebranding for national security focus. Additionally, we spotlight the Cosmos 447 satellite.
STARLINK-30941 (58475)
COSPAR: 2023-186C | Alt Name: Starlink 30941
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58475
International Designator
2023-186C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:57:54 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
40.96°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
272.78°
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-30941
Alternative Name
Starlink 30941
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58475U 23186C 26200.83187520 -.00001160 00000+0 -32634-4 0 9994
2 58475 43.0030 40.9603 0001609 272.7758 87.2910 15.27568167146069
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-30941 satellite, also known as Starlink 30941, is a communication satellite built by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on December 3, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, LC40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kg at launch and 700 kg when dry. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering, it is part of the Starlink Group 6-31-03 mission. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, and its shape is described as a box with a pan configuration. The satellite's purpose is to provide communication services.
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 6-31-03
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.
Space Brief 8 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's Yaogan-40 satellite launch, military contracts for rocket studies, and SpaceX's 500th booster landing.
X Report 22 Apr 2025
Amid multiple new launches, SpaceX marks its 300th orbital flight milestone at Cape Canaveral while pushing forward with cargo and reentry missions.
Starship Flight 13 to Deploy First Starlink V3 Sats | KeepTrack X Report
Starship Flight 13 launches first Starlink V3 satellites as SpaceX nears 10,839 working satellites in orbit across the Starlink fleet.
X Report 10 Jun 2025
Exciting advancements from SpaceX include the debut of a new Dragon capsule for Axiom Space, continued Starlink deployments, and significant shifts in U.S. rural broadband funding that could benefit Starlink.
X Report 15 Aug 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with multiple satellite launches and ongoing challenges in rural broadband funding. Noteworthy advances in Starlink capabilities enhance international connectivity.
Space Brief 7 Mar 2025
Key insights from the latest SpaceX Starship breakup, the establishment of a new satellite mobile service, and enhancing America's missile shield capabilities through satellites.
X Report 26 Mar 2025
SpaceX's Starlink dish offers gigabit speeds, boosting competitiveness; NRO taps SpaceX for satellite launches, expanding spy satellite network.