Space Brief 2 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.
STARLINK-30260 (57524)
COSPAR: 2023-115D | Alt Name: Starlink 30260
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57524
International Designator
2023-115D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:41:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
336.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.72°
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-30260
Alternative Name
Starlink 30260
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57524U 23115D 26200.65410497 .00000153 00000+0 15103-4 0 9993
2 57524 43.0058 336.3474 0001508 267.7222 92.3457 15.27569888162533
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30260 satellite, also known as Starlink 30260, is a communication spacecraft manufactured by SPXS and launched on August 8, 2023, from the AFWTR launch site using a Falcon 9 rocket from SLC4E. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when fully deployed. The satellite weighs 730 kg at launch with a dry mass of 700 kg. Its equipment includes a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and is designed in the Starlink v2 Mini configuration as part of the Starlink Group 6-20-04 mission.
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 6-20-04
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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