Space Brief 3 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include China's remote-sensing satellite launch, U.S. Space Force's investment in missile-tracking satellites, and NASA's MAVEN milestone on Mars.
STARLINK-30840 (58223)
COSPAR: 2023-170T | Alt Name: Starlink 30840
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58223
International Designator
2023-170T
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:45:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
165.74°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.42°
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-30840
Alternative Name
Starlink 30840
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58223U 23170T 26201.28141422 .00000796 00000+0 38430-4 0 9991
2 58223 43.0024 165.7437 0000807 270.4249 89.6510 15.27578428150577
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30840 satellite, also known as Starlink 30840, is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series operated by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on November 3, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It weighs approximately 730 kilograms at launch and 700 kilograms when dry. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The spacecraft's shape is described as box-shaped with a pan configuration.
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 6-26-18
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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