STARLINK-30281 (57716)

COSPAR: 2023-129U | Alt Name: Starlink 30281

Image
STARLINK-30281 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

August 27, 2023

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

57716

International Designator

2023-129U

Epoch

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 18:09:02 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

98.03°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

229.74°

Period

94.27 min

Mean Motion

15.28 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-30281

Alternative Name

Starlink 30281

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 57716U 23129U   26199.75628132 -.00000051  00000+0  76624-5 0  9990
2 57716  43.0028  98.0348 0001257 229.7363 130.3379 15.27573826160586

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-30281 is a Starlink V2M satellite, configured as a Starlink v2 Mini, launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on August 27, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters when deployed. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched at a mass of 730 kg, featuring Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its shape is described as "Box + pan." The mission of STARLINK-30281 is to provide communication services, and it was deployed as part of the Starlink Group 6-11-19 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.
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 6-11-19

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
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
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.

SpaceMobile-006 (BlueBird 6)

SpaceMobile-006 (BlueBird 6)

The largest commercial antenna ever deployed in low Earth orbit belongs to a company most people have never heard of. AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 6 is either the future of cellular connectivity or the most ambitious overreach in telecom history - and it just finished unfolding.

X Report 1 Jan 2025

X Report 1 Jan 2025

SpaceX wraps up a record-breaking year with an impressive launch count, while the Starship program looks to make significant advancements in 2025.

Space Force Modernizes Networks Across 14 Bases, SDA Expands $3.5B Satellite Program | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Modernizes Networks Across 14 Bases, SDA Expands $3.5B Satellite Program | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force initiates cybersecurity network upgrades across 14 bases. SDA expands $3.5B Tracking Layer with 72 new satellites. SpaceX and China drive record orbital launches in 2025.

The Day the Soviets Built a World in Orbit

The Day the Soviets Built a World in Orbit

Forty years ago today, the USSR launched a 20-ton aluminum cylinder into low Earth orbit and called it 'Peace.' Over the next 15 years, Mir would host 104 people from 12 countries, survive a fire and a collision, and quietly teach humanity how to live in space.

Space Brief 8 Oct 2025

Space Brief 8 Oct 2025

Today's brief covers key developments in satellite launches, missile defense strategies, advanced IoT satellite connectivity, and the projected growth of the satellite market driven by defense needs.

2 Starshield Sats Fly on Rare Public Mission | KeepTrack X Report

2 Starshield Sats Fly on Rare Public Mission | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX publicly confirmed 2 Starshield government satellites launched from Vandenberg on June 6, a rare disclosure for the classified Starlink variant.

X Report 28 Dec 2024

X Report 28 Dec 2024

SpaceX wraps up a stellar year with Starship achievements and prepares for a lunar triple-shot in 2025.

Santa Maria Spaceport (Azores)

Santa Maria Spaceport (Azores)

Europe's Atlantic outpost enters the launch business. How Portugal's first licensed spaceport in the Azores is preparing for suborbital flights in 2026 and positioning to receive ESA's Space Rider in 2028.