X Report 16 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for another busy week with a Falcon 9 launch to the ISS while Vast Space expands its Haven-1 payload roster.
STARLINK-30981 (58494)
COSPAR: 2023-186X | Alt Name: Starlink 30981
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58494
International Designator
2023-186X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:26:11 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
38.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
290.13°
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-30981
Alternative Name
Starlink 30981
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58494U 23186X 26200.60151980 .00002535 00000+0 10171-3 0 9997
2 58494 43.0058 38.3981 0002162 290.1302 69.9317 15.27554879146067
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-30981 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-186X) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration spacecraft launched on December 3, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch and consists of a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is designed for communication purposes and powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its motor system includes Argon ion thrusters. The satellite is owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 6-31-22
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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