Space Brief 11 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include the debut of a new Chinese rocket, a successful Starlink launch, and concerns about Artemis 3. We also cover DoD developments and a notable SpaceX milestone.
STARLINK-30108 (56299)
COSPAR: 2023-056P | Alt Name: Starlink 30108
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 19, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56299
International Designator
2023-056P
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:48:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
179.71°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.31°
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-30108
Alternative Name
Starlink 30108
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56299U 23056P 26199.36673266 .00000858 00000+0 40710-4 0 9999
2 56299 43.0009 179.7137 0001157 266.3100 93.7619 15.27575423180214
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-30108, also known as Starlink 30108, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on April 19, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has a configuration of Starlink v2 Mini with dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. It features Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. At launch, the satellite had a mass of 730 kg, with a dry mass of 700 kg. Its equipment includes Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, serving as part of the Starlink Group 6-2-14 constellation for communication purposes.
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 6-2-14
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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