X Report 12 Jul 2025
SpaceX prepares for the Crew-11 astronaut mission launch, while Starlink continues to expand its satellite network in orbit.
STARLINK-30279 (57885)
COSPAR: 2023-144X | Alt Name: Starlink 30279
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 16, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57885
International Designator
2023-144X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:34:16 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
260.34°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
272.40°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30279
Alternative Name
Starlink 30279
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57885U 23144X 26200.52380713 .00001282 00000+0 56114-4 0 9999
2 57885 43.0026 260.3374 0001332 272.3973 87.6726 15.27569586157741
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30279, also known as Starlink 30279, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX and launched on September 16, 2023, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power, STARLINK-30279 features a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite has a box-shaped body with a pan configuration and is part of the Starlink v2 Mini BUS series and Starlink Group 6-16-22 payload, owned by SpaceX.
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 6-16-22
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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