Space Brief 21 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, international efforts to tackle space debris, and innovative lunar power solutions from China.
STARLINK-30157 (57512)
COSPAR: 2023-113T | Alt Name: Starlink 30157
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 7, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57512
International Designator
2023-113T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:55:45 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
325.19°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.98°
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-30157
Alternative Name
Starlink 30157
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57512U 23113T 26200.62205679 -.00000571 00000+0 -11216-4 0 9996
2 57512 43.0039 325.1931 0001577 266.9848 93.0823 15.27570318164159
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-30157 or Starlink 30157, is a communication satellite launched on August 7, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (AFETR) Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, indicating the deployment of solar arrays or similar structures when unfolded. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch, reducing to a dry mass of 700 kilograms post-launch operations. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power comes from solar arrays complemented by batteries, and it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and is owned by the same entity under its Starlink Group 6-8-18 constellation program aimed at providing global internet coverage.
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 6-8-18
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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