STARLINK-30997 (58482)

COSPAR: 2023-186K | Alt Name: Starlink 30997

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 3, 2023

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58482

International Designator

2023-186K

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:47:30 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

37.46°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

285.99°

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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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-30997

Alternative Name

Starlink 30997

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 58482U 23186K   26200.82465669  .00008425  00000+0  31548-3 0  9995

2 58482  43.0006  37.4633 0001908 285.9866  74.0775 15.27564189146100

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-30997, also known as Starlink 30997, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and launched on December 3, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters, equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Its payload includes a Ku/Ka/E-band communication system and optical inter-satellite link capabilities, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the broader Starlink Group 6-31-10 mission, owned by SPXS and designated 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.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.3

Diameter

4.1

Span

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 6-31-10

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

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