Space Brief 29 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers developments in space traffic management, the X-37B spaceplane's upcoming mission, and satellite interference with radio telescopes.
STARLINK-30122 (56688)
COSPAR: 2023-067A | Alt Name: Starlink 30122
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 19, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56688
International Designator
2023-067A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:19:59 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
255.24°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
277.80°
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-30122
Alternative Name
Starlink 30122
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56688U 23067A 26200.22221729 .00000574 00000+0 30390-4 0 9992
2 56688 43.0034 255.2379 0001533 277.7951 82.2727 15.27575761175807
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30122 satellite, also known as Starlink 30122, is a Starlink v2 Mini spacecraft manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) for communication purposes. It was launched on May 19, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station), using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It features a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters, and it has a dry mass of 700 kg and launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite's shape can be described as a box with a pan configuration.
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 6-3-01
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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