Space Brief 8 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the landing of the X-37B spaceplane after a 434-day mission, the postponement of SDA's satellite launch, and the fiery debris from SpaceX's Starship over The Bahamas.
STARLINK-30388 (57784)
COSPAR: 2023-134P | Alt Name: Starlink 30388
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57784
International Designator
2023-134P
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:11:52 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
170.78°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
267.76°
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-30388
Alternative Name
Starlink 30388
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57784U 23134P 26200.34157571 .00002290 00000+0 92678-4 0 9995
2 57784 43.0014 170.7808 0001192 267.7602 92.3113 15.27593039159647
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-30388 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-134P), was launched on September 4, 2023, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It features a dry mass of 700 kg and was manufactured by SPXS for communication purposes. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system consists of Argon ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration and is part of the Starlink Group 6-12-14 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.
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 6-12-14
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.
X Report 30 Apr 2025
SpaceX achieves a remarkable milestone with its 50th Falcon 9 launch of 2025, while Starlink continues to expand, facing competition from China's megaconstellation efforts.
All 33 Raptor V3 Engines Ignite in Super Heavy Static Fire | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX ignited all 33 next-gen Raptor V3 engines on the Super Heavy booster at Starbase, Texas, marking a critical milestone toward the next Starship flight.
Space Brief 23 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Long March 12A's first launch, a major advance in space radio communication, and highlights from key military developments impacting space operations.
X Report 4 Sep 2025
SpaceX conducted multiple successful launches this week, adding to its Starlink constellation and marking significant milestones in its ongoing missions.
Space Brief 9 Dec 2025
Today's edition covers significant military space developments, including DIU tech consolidation discussions, NDAA budget expansions, and new military commands.
EUTELSAT 172B
Europe's first high-power all-electric telecom satellite doesn't just sit above the Pacific - it got there on robotic arms and plasma thrusters, broke records doing it, and now keeps your airplane Wi-Fi running between LA and Tokyo.
Suborbital Tourism Scorecard 2026, the Edge of Space Goes Quiet
Twenty-two years after SpaceShipOne, the two companies that defined suborbital tourism are both sitting on the ground. Blue Origin parked New Shepard in January, Virgin Galactic has not flown a customer since 2024, and the math behind the whole business is finally getting an honest look.