STARLINK-30978 (58490)

COSPAR: 2023-186T | Alt Name: Starlink 30978

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

58490

International Designator

2023-186T

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:30:51 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

37.41°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

270.27°

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-30978

Alternative Name

Starlink 30978

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 58490U 23186T   26200.81309087  .00000625  00000+0  32230-4 0  9998

2 58490  43.0046  37.4095 0001521 270.2737  89.7940 15.27574877146090

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-30978 or Starlink 30978, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on December 3, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station 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, indicating the deployment of solar arrays or antennas. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for high-speed communication. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering and solar arrays paired with batteries for power generation, it weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. The satellite's mission is to provide global internet connectivity as part of the Starlink Group 6-31-18 constellation.

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 6-31-18

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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