Space Brief 28 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force's budget shifts, China's new commercial lunar collaboration, and SpaceX's latest Starlink launch.
STARLINK-30285 (57840)
COSPAR: 2023-141A | Alt Name: Starlink 30285
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57840
International Designator
2023-141A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:48:49 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
29.74°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
96.41°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30285
Alternative Name
Starlink 30285
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57840U 23141A 26200.78390166 .00000635 00000+0 32229-4 0 9990
2 57840 53.1603 29.7413 0001429 96.4064 263.7100 15.31705716160568
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite designated as STARLINK-30285 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-141A) is a Starlink V2M configuration spacecraft designed for communication purposes and manufactured by SPXS in the United States. Launched on September 12, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, and its launch mass was 730 kg. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication. Its power system includes solar arrays and batteries, while it uses Argon ion thrusters as motors. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."
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 7-2-01
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.
The Day Fiery Failure Launched NASA
Sixty-eight years ago, America's first satellite exploded on the launchpad in front of the entire world. But from the ashes of Vanguard TV-3 came the determination that would eventually win the Space Race.
Space Brief 21 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a significant signals intelligence launch, a record-breaking satellite deployment in China, a glimpse into the newest stealth drone, a potential delay for NASA's lunar lander, and more exciting updates from satellite world.
X Report 4 Apr 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship's ninth flight with a reused booster, Fram2 astronauts share stunning orbital views, and SpaceX secures new NASA contracts for the Starship.
Blue Origin's New Glenn Destroyed in Static Fire Test at Cape Canaveral | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's fourth New Glenn rocket exploded during static fire at LC-36, Cape Canaveral, destroying the fully stacked vehicle and pad infrastructure. Amazon Leo launch postponed indefinitely.
Space Brief 14 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers Blue Origin's certification progress, a near-miss between a Chinese spacecraft and a Starlink satellite, SpaceX's latest Starlink launch and booster landing, potential IPO news from SpaceX, and advancements in Starlink integration with Tesla vehicles.
Space Brief 15 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers new military space funding, intriguing scientific discoveries, and defense contracts impacting global military strategies.
X Report 1 Mar 2025
FAA greenlights Flight 8 of SpaceX's Starship while senators examine Air Force nominee's ties to the company.