X Report 17 Dec 2024
SpaceX executes a rapid response GPS mission for the U.S. Space Force, Starlink extends its reach with a beta smartphone connectivity service by T-Mobile, and Starship approaches its seventh launch with readiness milestones.
STARLINK-30996 (59023)
COSPAR: 2024-038A | Alt Name: Starlink 30996
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 25, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59023
International Designator
2024-038A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:24:25 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
0.92°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
279.98°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30996
Alternative Name
Starlink 30996
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59023U 24038A 26200.80862432 -.00000163 00000+0 36097-5 0 9999
2 59023 43.0021 0.9185 0001158 279.9756 80.0965 15.27576584136338
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30996 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on February 25, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite operates under the ownership of SPXS as part of the Starlink Group 6-39-01 mission to provide communication services. Its shape is described as a box with a pan configuration.
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 6-39-01
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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