Space Brief 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.
STARLINK-30212 (57506)
COSPAR: 2023-113M | Alt Name: Starlink 30212
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 7, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57506
International Designator
2023-113M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:00:16 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
350.43°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
269.51°
Period
94.25 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30212
Alternative Name
Starlink 30212
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57506U 23113M 26200.79185992 .00012074 00000+0 44285-3 0 9992
2 57506 43.0046 350.4337 0002082 269.5093 90.5520 15.27929342163716
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30212 satellite, also known as Starlink 30212, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the Starlink V2M bus type. It was launched on August 7, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle by SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It weighs approximately 700 kilograms dry, with a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and Argon ion thrusters as its motor system.
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 6-8-12
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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