Space Brief 5 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers developments in US military space initiatives, advancements in missile technology, and notable military contractor activities.
STARLINK-30123 (56838)
COSPAR: 2023-079R | Alt Name: Starlink 30123
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56838
International Designator
2023-079R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:39:38 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
7.74°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
260.51°
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-30123
Alternative Name
Starlink 30123
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56838U 23079R 26200.81918991 -.00000584 00000+0 -11711-4 0 9990
2 56838 43.0010 7.7433 0000940 260.5090 99.5655 15.27575191173956
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-30123, also known as Starlink 30123, is a Starlink v2 Mini spacecraft launched on June 4, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. It has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, and batteries for power, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The spacecraft's primary mission is communication as part of the Starlink Group 6-4-16 constellation managed by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 6-4-16
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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