STARLINK-30609 (58085)

COSPAR: 2023-160L | Alt Name: Starlink 30609

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

October 18, 2023

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58085

International Designator

2023-160L

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:23:47 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

54.75°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

271.74°

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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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-30609

Alternative Name

Starlink 30609

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 58085U 23160L   26200.89152734 -.00002156  00000+0 -68825-4 0  9995

2 58085  43.0021  54.7516 0001227 271.7445  88.3266 15.27583314153122

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-30609 is a communication satellite, designated as 2023-160L and belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on October 18, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 by SpaceX using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite is owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Its dimensions include a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The dry mass of the satellite is 700 kilograms with an initial launch mass of 730 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and features optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. Power generation is achieved through solar arrays supported by batteries, while its propulsion system consists of Argon ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," and it serves a communication mission in orbit.

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

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 6-23-11

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

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