Space Brief 3 Jul 2025
Today's coverage includes the cancellation of DARPA's DRACO nuclear propulsion project, global shifts in Earth observation strategy, and new developments in satellite technology and military collaborations.
STARLINK-30073 (56840)
COSPAR: 2023-079T | Alt Name: Starlink 30073
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56840
International Designator
2023-079T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:00:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
266.10°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.92°
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-30073
Alternative Name
Starlink 30073
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56840U 23079T 26200.83335647 -.00025557 00000+0 -92196-3 0 9998
2 56840 43.0019 266.1018 0001683 278.9219 67.8352 15.27594650 5798
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30073 satellite, also known as Starlink 30073, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-4-18 payload. It was launched on June 4, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kg at launch, reducing to 700 kg as dry mass. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload systems and optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. Propulsion is provided by Argon ion thrusters.
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 6-4-18
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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