Space Brief 13 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers a new naming system by Space Force, China's space advances, drone defense at Cape Canaveral, and more military updates impacting space operations.
STARLINK-30146 (57442)
COSPAR: 2023-105N | Alt Name: Starlink 30146
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 24, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57442
International Designator
2023-105N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:01:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
233.94°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
276.34°
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-30146
Alternative Name
Starlink 30146
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57442U 23105N 26200.79248514 .00002633 00000+0 10523-3 0 9990
2 57442 43.0000 233.9395 0001221 276.3351 83.7361 15.27557906165847
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, identified by NORAD CAT ID 57442 and OBJECT ID 2023-105N, was launched on July 24, 2023, from Launch Pad LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms with a total launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Manufactured by SPXS, its primary mission is communication. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a pan configuration.
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 6-6-13
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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