Space Brief 7 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include a record-breaking event at the International Space Station, significant funding for hypersonic missile production, and several key military developments impacting space strategy.
STARLINK-30130 (56697)
COSPAR: 2023-067K | Alt Name: Starlink 30130
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 19, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56697
International Designator
2023-067K
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:01:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
242.66°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
274.17°
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-30130
Alternative Name
Starlink 30130
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56697U 23067K 26201.16803035 -.00000535 00000+0 -99111-5 0 9998
2 56697 43.0021 242.6553 0001241 274.1728 85.8982 15.27575375175708
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30130 is a Starlink V2M satellite, part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on May 19, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The spacecraft has a box plus pan shape and is part of the Starlink Group 6-3-10 payload mission.
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 6-3-10
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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