2 Starshield Sats Fly on Rare Public Mission | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX publicly confirmed 2 Starshield government satellites launched from Vandenberg on June 6, a rare disclosure for the classified Starlink variant.
STARLINK-30841 (58208)
COSPAR: 2023-170C | Alt Name: Starlink 30841
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58208
International Designator
2023-170C
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:36:51 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
173.45°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.21°
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-30841
Alternative Name
Starlink 30841
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58208U 23170C 26199.90059815 -.00000998 00000+0 -26745-4 0 9995
2 58208 43.0019 173.4462 0001158 266.2078 93.8641 15.27569259150362
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30841 satellite, also known as Starlink 30841, is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on November 3, 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. Its dry mass is 700 kg while the launch mass was 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus pan shape design.
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 6-26-03
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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