Space Brief 4 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights major developments in satellite launches, regulatory milestones for spectrum sales, and the evolving landscape of space-related cyber conflicts.
STARLINK-30396 (57964)
COSPAR: 2023-151A | Alt Name: Starlink 30396
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 30, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57964
International Designator
2023-151A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:28:02 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
311.11°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
280.66°
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-30396
Alternative Name
Starlink 30396
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57964U 23151A 26200.64447686 -.00000704 00000+0 -16064-4 0 9991
2 57964 43.0033 311.1055 0001428 280.6587 79.4104 15.27578533155948
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-30396 satellite, also known as Starlink 30396, is a communication satellite under the configuration of Starlink v2 Mini and manufactured by SPXS in the United States. It was launched on September 30, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 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 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system and has a box plus pan shape.
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 6-19-01
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.
SaxaVord Spaceport
The UK's orbital ambitions rest on a remote Shetland island. How SaxaVord became Europe's first fully licensed vertical launch spaceport - and why, despite being ready for years, it's still waiting for a rocket that works.
Space Brief 22 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include defense sector investments, major military contracts with Rocket Lab, and a glimpse at new American Innovation dollar coins featuring space achievements.
China's iSpace Raises Record $729M for Reusable Rockets | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's iSpace secures record $729M for reusable rocket development. SpaceX launches Crew-12 and lands booster at new LZ-40 pad. Startup bets on space-based missile defense.
X Report 18 Jun 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while preparing for the upcoming Ax-4 mission to the ISS. Significant progress continues in their ongoing space endeavors.
X Report 23 Aug 2025
This week's highlights include the successful launch of the X-37B spaceplane and the deployment of 24 new Starlink satellites, alongside preparations for the upcoming Starship Flight 10.
X Report 5 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.
Space Brief 2 Sep 2024
Key topics: SpaceX resumes Falcon 9 launches, mysterious Starliner sounds, and upcoming space policy events. Detailed tracking info for EGYPTSAT A.