Space Brief 17 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include significant data release from NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment, SpaceX's dual launches of Crew-10 and Starlink satellites, and intriguing findings from the arctic ice studies.
STARLINK-30809 (58183)
COSPAR: 2023-167J | Alt Name: Starlink 30809
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 30, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58183
International Designator
2023-167J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:54:22 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
117.73°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
264.67°
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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30809
Alternative Name
Starlink 30809
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58183U 23167J 26200.78776082 .00000656 00000+0 33344-4 0 9996
2 58183 43.0023 117.7319 0001182 264.6710 95.4007 15.27577500151186
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-30809, also known as Starlink 30809, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and operated under the same ownership. It was launched on October 30, 2023, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range at 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 a span of 29 meters, indicating its deployment likely includes solar arrays or communication antennas. It features a Starlink v2 Mini configuration with a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The payload consists of Ku/Ka/E-band equipment along with an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission, and it is powered by solar arrays complemented with batteries. It uses Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system to maintain its orbit and orientation 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.
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 6-25-09
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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