Space Brief 31 Dec 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights the latest developments in China's megaconstellation funding, Russia's nuclear posturing in Europe, and other significant military activities.
STARLINK-30099 (56304)
COSPAR: 2023-056U | Alt Name: Starlink 30099
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 19, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56304
International Designator
2023-056U
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:13:53 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
179.70°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.94°
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-30099
Alternative Name
Starlink 30099
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56304U 23056U 26201.30131508 -.00000455 00000+0 -70203-5 0 9998
2 56304 43.0009 179.7032 0001157 278.9399 81.1321 15.27575570180386
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30099 satellite, also known as Starlink 30099, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on April 19, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters when deployed. The satellite weighs 730 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system consists of Argon ion thrusters.
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 6-2-19
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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