Space Brief 1 Nov 2024
Today's update highlights Boeing's challenges with the Starliner, Europe's IRIS2 constellation advancement, China's CAS Space's global ambitions, and vivid new telescope images of cosmic events.
STARLINK-30868 (58390)
COSPAR: 2023-178S | Alt Name: Starlink 30868
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58390
International Designator
2023-178S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:18:54 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
108.35°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
95.00°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30868
Alternative Name
Starlink 30868
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58390U 23178S 26200.09646081 -.00000894 00000+0 -15321-4 0 9998
2 58390 53.1596 108.3476 0001177 95.0030 265.1107 15.34398096150048
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-30868 satellite, also known as STARLINK-30868 and part of the Starlink Group 7-7-17 payload, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on November 20, 2023 from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a configuration known as Starlink v2 Mini and is based on the Bus model Starlink V2M. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for its mission. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters as motors and solar arrays with batteries for power generation, the satellite has a launch mass of 730 kg and a dry mass of 700 kg. Its ownership is attributed to SpaceX (SPXS), and it was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
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 7-7-17
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.
Space Brief 25 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers pivotal updates in military space capabilities, defense acquisitions, the UK's nuclear enhancements, and Boeing's financial challenges.
SpaceX to Launch 11,000th Starlink Satellite, Crew-12 Moved Up to Feb 11 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX set to launch 11,000th Starlink satellite on Starlink 17-19 from Vandenberg. NASA moves Crew-12 launch to Feb 11 after ISS medical evacuation. Starship V3 targets mid-March first flight.
Space Brief 29 Mar 2025
Key military and technology developments in space; US Space Force and Army strategize national security with new rocket certifications and space training initiatives.
Space Brief 9 May 2025
Today's briefing covers new satellite projects, military tech advancements, and insights into missile defense strategies. Discover partnerships in satellite design and exciting developments in space military technology.
Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory
Designed for a two-year mission to catch gamma-ray bursts in the act, Swift is now 21 years old, slowly falling out of the sky, and the subject of an unprecedented private rescue mission. Nobody planned for it to be this hard to let go.
X Report 22 May 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites on a brand-new Falcon 9 rocket, while preparations ramp up for Starship Flight 9 and a pioneering commercial docking mission approaches.
Space Brief 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.