Space Brief 9 Jan 2025
Today's briefing includes new appointments in U.S. military and defense sectors, X-37B's continued mission, and international policy shifts affecting satellite technology sales.
STARLINK-30109 (56298)
COSPAR: 2023-056N | Alt Name: Starlink 30109
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 19, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56298
International Designator
2023-056N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:14:46 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
185.67°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
284.80°
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-30109
Alternative Name
Starlink 30109
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56298U 23056N 26200.26025632 .00000571 00000+0 30244-4 0 9991
2 56298 43.0018 185.6662 0001667 284.7969 75.2698 15.27603988180226
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30109 satellite, also known as Starlink 30109, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink Group 6-2-13 constellation. Launched on April 19, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 (LC40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a configuration known as "Starlink v2 Mini." It measures 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms while its launch mass was 730 kilograms. The spacecraft uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a "Box + pan" shape. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), it operates in communication services and is owned by the same entity.
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 6-2-13
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
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 4 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's Starship launch approval, Antares' nuclear funding, and shifts in global space defense strategies.
Space Force Forecasts 25 Extra Heavy-Lift Missions Through 2029 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force projects 25 additional high-energy missions in 2027–2029 window, straining capacity at Vulcan and Falcon Heavy. Capacity constraints will drive military-NASA prioritization debates.
X Report 21 Dec 2024
SpaceX prepares for Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission launch, while FAA updates license for Starship's next flight; Crew Dragon mission faces delays.
New Glenn Explodes at LC-36, Grounded Over 1 Year | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket exploded at Cape Canaveral's LC-36, causing visible pad damage and a year-plus grounding. NASA lunar plans affected.
Space Brief 9 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
Space Brief 30 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers Rocket Lab's plans following a record-breaking year, efforts to recover NASA's MAVEN orbiter, and the potential relocation of space shuttle Discovery.
Vietnam Licenses Starlink for 600K Terminals, Isaacman Plans Roscosmos Visit | KeepTrack Space Brief
Vietnam approves Starlink with up to 600,000 terminals and 4 gateway stations. SpaceX hits 600th Falcon 9 launch. NASA's Isaacman plans Roscosmos meeting and Soyuz visit.