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STARLINK-30972 (58721)
COSPAR: 2024-002S | Alt Name: Starlink 30972
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58721
International Designator
2024-002S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:06:35 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
336.80°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
95.47°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 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-30972
Alternative Name
Starlink 30972
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58721U 24002S 26200.67124856 .00000890 00000+0 42163-4 0 9996
2 58721 53.1594 336.7954 0001157 95.4733 264.6400 15.30195021142224
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30972 satellite, also known as Starlink 30972, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink Group 7-9-17 and was launched on January 3, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a configuration of Starlink v2 Mini, with dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg, and its equipment includes Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. It is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power. Manufactured by SPXS in the US, the satellite serves communication purposes within its mission framework.
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 7-9-17
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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