Space Brief 12 Feb 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink missions, Satellogic's contract with Brazilian Air Force, OCX, and ATLAS project updates, and DARPA's insights on cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
STARLINK-30131 (56833)
COSPAR: 2023-079L | Alt Name: Starlink 30131
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56833
International Designator
2023-079L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:17:26 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
61.36°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
240.35°
Period
94.43 min
Mean Motion
15.25 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-30131
Alternative Name
Starlink 30131
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56833U 23079L 26200.55378301 .00012119 00000+0 48649-3 0 9995
2 56833 43.0041 61.3635 0004445 240.3475 119.6933 15.24919035173298
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30131 satellite, also known as Starlink 30131, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on June 4, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this Starlink V2M model has a configuration named "Starlink v2 Mini." It measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg and its launch mass was 730 kg, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the spacecraft uses Argon ion thrusters as propulsion. Its mission is to provide communication services and it is part of the Starlink Group 6-4-11 constellation. The satellite's shape can be described as a box with solar panels.
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 6-4-11
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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