Space Brief 14 Feb 2025
Key developments include Redwire's contract for a US Space Force mission, UK's steps toward its first orbital launch, and a detailed military satellite spotlight.
STARLINK-30539 (58004)
COSPAR: 2023-153P | Alt Name: Starlink 30539
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 5, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58004
International Designator
2023-153P
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:43:57 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
40.36°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
273.92°
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-30539
Alternative Name
Starlink 30539
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58004U 23153P 26200.86385527 -.00000941 00000+0 -24655-4 0 9996
2 58004 43.0058 40.3562 0001880 273.9246 86.1390 15.27570641155106
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30539 satellite, also known as Starlink 30539, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on October 5, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It carries equipment including Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its mission is to provide communication services using Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite weighs 700 kg dry and had a launch mass of 730 kg.
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 6-21-14
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.
SpaceX Unveils Stargaze SSA System, Explores xAI Merger Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX unveils Stargaze space situational awareness system during 13th launch of January. Reports surface of SpaceX-xAI merger talks ahead of potential IPO. Dual-coast Starlink launches from CA and FL.
Space Brief 5 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the new Space Force operations doctrine, international defense collaborations by the UAE, and satellite tracking technology innovations.
The NASA Budget Proposal That Nobody Asked For (Again)
The White House wants to cut NASA's science budget nearly in half for the second year running. Administrator Jared Isaacman says it's enough. Congress already rejected this exact idea once.
The Day America Shot Down Its Own Spy Satellite
Seventeen years ago, a Navy cruiser in the Pacific fired a missile at a tumbling reconnaissance satellite that had failed within hours of reaching orbit - officially to prevent toxic fuel from reaching the ground, unofficially to prove something far more significant to China and the world
X Report 26 Dec 2024
Launch of 21 new Starlink satellites, featuring cell phone connectivity, and updates on NASA and SpaceX collaborative missions.
Space Force Awards $3.2B for Orbital Missile Interceptors | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force awards $3.2 billion to 12 companies for Golden Dome boost-phase missile interceptor prototypes. Initial operational capability targeted for 2028.
Space Brief 5 Dec 2025
Focusing on military satellite initiatives, defense strategies, and advancements in air and cyber capabilities