The Day a Giant Space Balloon United the Cold War
When a 135-foot inflatable mirror bounced a radio signal from England to Russia, it became the first joint US-Soviet space venture - and changed how we think about satellite communication.
STARLINK-30948 (58525)
COSPAR: 2023-191T | Alt Name: Starlink 30948
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 7, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58525
International Designator
2023-191T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:57:44 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
77.70°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
279.81°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30948
Alternative Name
Starlink 30948
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58525U 23191T 26200.70675985 .00000580 00000+0 30589-4 0 9999
2 58525 43.0038 77.7010 0000993 279.8117 80.2622 15.27581783145662
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30948 satellite, also known as Starlink 30948, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the ownership of SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on December 7, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch and 700 kilograms dry mass. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays, and batteries for power generation. Its primary mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 6-33-18 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.
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 6-33-18
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 12 Jul 2025
Today's focus spans from major military training initiatives in orbit to key updates on drone policies and crucial satellite launches.
Space Brief 13 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers significant advancements in space satellite launches, military spending impacts on space, and notable developments from the Space Force and SpaceX.
Space Brief 16 Sep 2024
Highlights of the day include the Polaris Dawn mission's splashdown, advances in space traffic management, and intriguing astronomy insights from the cloud's edge.
Space Brief 13 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's launch delay, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink mission, and highlights the YAOGAN-43 O1C satellite.
Space Brief 2 Jan 2025
Today's recap covers SpaceX's role in record launch numbers, the FCC's spectrum allocation for launches, and the historical portrayal of the Ingenuity helicopter.
X Report 5 Dec 2025
SpaceX made significant strides with the launch of 28 Starlink satellites while navigating regulatory challenges regarding rural broadband funding. Additionally, developments on the Crew Dragon mission continue to evolve with a change in cosmonaut assignment.
X Report 8 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for distinctive Starship tests and milestone Starlink deployments as the new year takes off.