1 Million AI Data Centers in Orbit Threaten Astronomy | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's proposed 1-million-satellite AI data center constellation alarms astronomers as Falcon 9 logs its 25th Starlink launch of 2026.
STARLINK-30989 (58510)
COSPAR: 2023-191C | Alt Name: Starlink 30989
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 7, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58510
International Designator
2023-191C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:30:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
82.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.42°
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-30989
Alternative Name
Starlink 30989
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58510U 23191C 26200.02092691 .00000650 00000+0 33147-4 0 9996
2 58510 43.0019 82.0123 0001214 271.4177 88.6535 15.27576674145589
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30989 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series, designated by NORAD CAT ID 58510 and OBJECT ID 2023-191C. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it was launched on December 7, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters, featuring a box plus pan shape. It carries a payload including Ku/Ka/E-band equipment for communication purposes, along with an optical inter-satellite link and is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The dry mass of the satellite is 700 kg, while its launch mass was 730 kg. Power generation comes from solar arrays complemented by batteries.
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 6-33-03
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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