Space Brief 29 May 2025
Today's brief covers a Japanese military satellite launch, new GPS satellite orders by the Space Force, and a Moog propulsion system contract, among other notable developments.
STARLINK-2530 (48303)
COSPAR: 2021-036AD | Alt Name: Starlink 2530
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 29, 2021
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
48303
International Designator
2021-036AD
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:30:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
266.24°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
107.93°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-2530
Alternative Name
Starlink 2530
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 48303U 21036AD 26185.22917838 .00000774 00000-0 36702-4 0 9992
2 48303 53.1585 266.2382 0001070 107.9336 252.1782 15.31704591286079
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-2530 satellite, also known as Starlink 2530, is part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation and was launched on April 29, 2021, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite measures 0.2 meters in length with a diameter of 2.8 meters and spans up to 9 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 248 kilograms and weighed 260 kilograms at launch. The equipment includes Ku/Ka-band payload capabilities, and some prototypes are equipped with optical inter-satellite links. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while it uses Krypton ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite has a box plus pan shape and is manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) to enhance global communication networks.
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
0.2
Diameter
2.8
Span
9
Dry Mass
248
Launch Mass
260
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink V1.0-L24-29
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Krypton ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka-band payload (all), optical inter-satellite links (a few prototypes)
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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