Space Brief 8 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the landing of the X-37B spaceplane after a 434-day mission, the postponement of SDA's satellite launch, and the fiery debris from SpaceX's Starship over The Bahamas.
STARLINK-30836 (58221)
COSPAR: 2023-170R | Alt Name: Starlink 30836
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58221
International Designator
2023-170R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:19:16 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
170.78°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
288.18°
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-30836
Alternative Name
Starlink 30836
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58221U 23170R 26200.34671596 .00006399 00000+0 24180-3 0 9996
2 58221 43.0004 170.7831 0000928 288.1812 71.8939 15.27587776150432
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30836, also known as Starlink 30836, is a communication satellite from the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on November 3, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite stabilizes in space through Argon ion thrusters. It measures 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power.
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 6-26-16
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.
X Report 25 Dec 2025
Starlink reaches 9 million active users, while SpaceX prepares for upcoming missions with Flight 12 vehicles readying for 2026.
SpaceX Stacks Super Heavy for Starship's 12th Test Flight | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX stacks Super Heavy booster in preparation for Starship's 12th test flight. Three launches planned this week including ISRO rideshare mission. Musk shares AI and robotics predictions on podcast.
X Report 23 Apr 2025
SpaceX marks a significant milestone with its Bandwagon-3 mission, while Ukraine explores Starlink alternatives.
Space Brief 10 Apr 2025
Key topics today include the US Space Force's new international strategy, China's partnership with Pakistan for astronaut training, and conservation concerns over SpaceX landing proposals.
The Day a Car Started Its Journey to the Stars
Seven years ago, SpaceX revolutionized spaceflight by launching the most powerful operational rocket in the world, carrying with it a cherry-red Tesla Roadster that captured global imagination
X Report 12 Dec 2025
SpaceX makes headlines with record-breaking launch operations, while plans for an IPO signal major changes in the company's trajectory and could inspire industry-wide movements.
Space Brief 31 May 2025
Today's brief covers a significant GPS satellite launch by SpaceX, China's classified satellite mission, and Rocket Lab's strategic steps in the defense sector.