X Report 17 Sep 2025
Today’s highlights include successful Falcon 9 launch for MECANO ID, ongoing Starship Block 3 development, and plans for direct-to-device testing next year.
STARLINK-30242 (57739)
COSPAR: 2023-131H | Alt Name: Starlink 30242
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 1, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57739
International Designator
2023-131H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:41:26 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
117.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
262.85°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-30242
Alternative Name
Starlink 30242
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57739U 23131H 26200.77877351 .00000840 00000+0 40029-4 0 9996
2 57739 43.0024 117.6825 0001119 262.8479 97.2245 15.27578431160454
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 57739 and OBJECT_ID 2023-131H is a Starlink V2M spacecraft, part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series. Launched on September 1, 2023 from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, including its solar arrays. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, and it was launched at a total mass of 730 kg. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload complemented by an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The Starlink-30242 spacecraft is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Manufactured by SpaceX, it operates within the "Communication" mission category.
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 6-13-08
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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