The Day Space Became Crowded
Eight years ago, a single Indian rocket launched 104 satellites into orbit, marking a pivotal moment when space tracking professionals realized the dawn of a new, congested era in orbital operations
STARLINK-30409 (57820)
COSPAR: 2023-138N | Alt Name: Starlink 30409
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 9, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57820
International Designator
2023-138N
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:16:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
206.47°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
260.00°
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-30409
Alternative Name
Starlink 30409
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57820U 23138N 26201.05324953 -.00000344 00000+0 -29743-5 0 9993
2 57820 43.0017 206.4696 0001360 259.9998 100.0700 15.27573694158925
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30409 satellite, also known as Starlink 30409 and belonging to the Starlink Group 6-14-13 payload, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) in the US. It was launched on September 9, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters, it features an extended span of 29 meters due to its solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link and is equipped with Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched with a total mass of 730 kg. The satellite's mission is to provide communication services.
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 6-14-13
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
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