STARLINK-30979 (58485)

COSPAR: 2023-186N | Alt Name: Starlink 30979

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

58485

International Designator

2023-186N

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:27 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

37.56°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

261.40°

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-30979

Alternative Name

Starlink 30979

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 58485U 23186N   26200.83365336 -.00001133  00000+0 -31648-4 0  9992

2 58485  43.0010  37.5641 0001224 261.4003  98.6710 15.27577836146093

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-30979 is a Starlink V2M satellite, part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on December 3, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg with a total launch mass of 730 kg. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters, while its power supply consists of solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as box plus pan, designed primarily for communication missions within SpaceX's constellation network.

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 6-31-13

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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