Space Brief 29 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include Japan's new military satellite imagery initiative, NASA's SPHEREx map, and AST BlueBird 6's groundbreaking cellular array in low Earth orbit.
STARLINK-30261 (57523)
COSPAR: 2023-115C | Alt Name: Starlink 30261
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57523
International Designator
2023-115C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:41:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
336.09°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
263.41°
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-30261
Alternative Name
Starlink 30261
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57523U 23115C 26200.73747367 -.00000278 00000+0 -55812-6 0 9993
2 57523 43.0029 336.0854 0001409 263.4118 96.6573 15.27575108162545
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30261, also known as Starlink 30261, is a communication satellite designed for the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on August 8, 2023, from AFWTR (SLC4E) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and was manufactured by SPXS in the United States. It measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters when deployed. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses Argon ion thrusters for its mission operations.
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 6-20-03
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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