STARLINK-30970 (58888)

COSPAR: 2024-020N | Alt Name: Starlink 30970
DECAYED

Image
STARLINK-30970 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

January 29, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58888

International Designator

2024-020N

Decay Date

9/9/2024

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-30970

Alternative Name

Starlink 30970

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
The STARLINK-30970 satellite, also known as Starlink 30970, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on January 29, 2024, from SLC4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans 29 meters with solar arrays and batteries for power supply. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link as part of its equipment. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg, utilizing Argon ion thrusters as propulsion. The mission is dedicated to communication services with a box plus pan shape design.

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 7-12-13

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

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