Space Brief 9 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's successful 2025 kick-off launch, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, and a significant military satellite contract competition.
STARLINK-30078 (56841)
COSPAR: 2023-079U | Alt Name: Starlink 30078
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 4, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
56841
International Designator
2023-079U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:52:35 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
32.88°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.16°
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-30078
Alternative Name
Starlink 30078
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 56841U 23079U 26200.86985551 .00000682 00000+0 34314-4 0 9996
2 56841 43.0035 32.8799 0001415 270.1604 89.9085 15.27580376173666
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30078 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 56841 under OBJECT_ID 2023-079U. Launched on June 4, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it is owned and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). This satellite measures approximately 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 mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power and uses Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Its mission is to provide communication services.
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 6-4-19
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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