The 10 Most Iconic Satellites Still in Space
Let's look at the legacy of space exploration with the 10 most iconic satellites still orbiting Earth.
STARLINK-30998 (58513)
COSPAR: 2023-191F | Alt Name: Starlink 30998
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 7, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58513
International Designator
2023-191F
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:17:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
76.55°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.71°
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-30998
Alternative Name
Starlink 30998
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58513U 23191F 26201.01199897 .00001120 00000+0 50201-4 0 9998
2 58513 43.0000 76.5496 0001090 269.7117 90.3610 15.27579110145738
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30998 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and designated by the BUS type "Starlink V2M." Launched on December 7, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 (LC40) aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and was manufactured by SpaceX. It measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans up to 29 meters when its components are extended. The payload includes Ku/Ka/E-band equipment for communication purposes, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape resembles a box with additional panels.
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 6-33-06
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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