Space Brief 2 Jun 2025
Today's edition covers SpaceX's Starlink launch delay, a breakthrough in ceramic manufacturing for space, and Momentus's orbital tech demo, among other headlines.
STARLINK-30127 (56699)
COSPAR: 2023-067M | Alt Name: Starlink 30127
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 19, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56699
International Designator
2023-067M
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:47:56 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
253.11°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
282.97°
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-30127
Alternative Name
Starlink 30127
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56699U 23067M 26201.19995836 -.00000232 00000+0 11221-5 0 9993
2 56699 43.0043 253.1147 0002248 282.9687 77.0914 15.27574823175849
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30127, also known as Starlink 30127, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. It was launched on May 19, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span reaching up to 29 meters due to its solar arrays or antennas. It operates as part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's dry mass is approximately 700 kg, with a launch mass of 730 kg. Power generation relies on solar arrays complemented by batteries. Its primary mission is to facilitate global communication services as part of SpaceX’s larger Starlink Group 6-3-12 payload.
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 6-3-12
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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