Space Brief 21 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite technology contracts, China's rocket launch ambitions, and new launch authorizations paving the way for space exploration advancements.
STARLINK-30196 (57448)
COSPAR: 2023-105U | Alt Name: Starlink 30196
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 24, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57448
International Designator
2023-105U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:10:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
238.65°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
296.48°
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-30196
Alternative Name
Starlink 30196
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57448U 23105U 26200.50730406 .00000186 00000+0 16278-4 0 9996
2 57448 43.0031 238.6495 0001846 296.4750 63.5912 15.27575995165542
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30196 is a communication satellite, also known as Starlink 30196, part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the Starlink V2M bus category. Launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on July 24, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, and it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. It weighs 700 kilograms when dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Argon ion thrusters are used as its propulsion system. The satellite was successfully placed into orbit on the same day as the launch at approximately 155 hours and 53 minutes after midnight.
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 6-6-19
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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