Space Brief 25 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include the launch of a U.S. military satellite via SpaceX, a new French defense agreement for satellite services, and the Missile Defense Agency's successful ICBM target tracking with long-range radar.
STARLINK-30940 (58409)
COSPAR: 2023-180H | Alt Name: Starlink 30940
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 22, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58409
International Designator
2023-180H
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:13:45 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
239.26°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
282.43°
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-30940
Alternative Name
Starlink 30940
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58409U 23180H 26201.17622502 -.00000096 00000+0 60598-5 0 9994
2 58409 43.0021 239.2555 0001803 282.4263 77.6387 15.27576213149593
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30940 satellite, also known as Starlink 30940, is a communication satellite operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on November 22, 2023, from the AFETR launch site using Falcon 9 from LC40. The spacecraft features a Box + pan shape with dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, and it has a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg while its launch mass was 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and Argon ion thrusters as motors. It belongs to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the Starlink V2M bus category and is part of the Starlink Group 6-29-08 payload.
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 6-29-08
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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