Space Brief 19 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers launches by SpaceX and mysterious Space Force missions, along with updates on Japan's moon lander and US-UAE defense deals.
STARLINK-30254 (57533)
COSPAR: 2023-115N | Alt Name: Starlink 30254
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57533
International Designator
2023-115N
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:19:53 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
75.63°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
263.06°
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-30254
Alternative Name
Starlink 30254
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57533U 23115N 26201.05547876 -.00001760 00000+0 -54453-4 0 9998
2 57533 43.0036 75.6302 0001538 263.0597 97.0079 15.27581464165606
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30254, also known as Starlink 30254, is a communication satellite from the United States, manufactured by SPXS and launched on August 8, 2023, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E at AFWTR. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 6-20-13 and has a configuration known as Starlink v2 Mini with dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. It features a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched at a total mass of 730 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and includes an optical inter-satellite link for communication. Power generation is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while propulsion is supported by Argon ion thrusters. The spacecraft's shape is described as Box + pan.
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 6-20-13
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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