Space Brief 12 May 2025
Today's brief covers key industry movements in space logistics and satellite production, including Rocket Lab's new U.S. Air Force contract, Sierra Space's strides in GPS technology, and more.
STARLINK-30148 (57617)
COSPAR: 2023-119R | Alt Name: Starlink 30148
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 11, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57617
International Designator
2023-119R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:37:37 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
54.85°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.98°
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-30148
Alternative Name
Starlink 30148
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57617U 23119R 26200.85946256 .00000425 00000+0 24993-4 0 9998
2 57617 43.0050 54.8537 0001452 269.9768 90.0917 15.27575785163302
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30148 satellite, also known as Starlink 30148, is a communication spacecraft designed under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on August 11, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters. Its primary equipment includes Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link. The power system consists of solar arrays and batteries to support its operations, while Argon ion thrusters provide propulsion for maneuvering in orbit. This satellite is part of the Starlink Group 6-9-16 constellation aimed at enhancing global communication services.
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 6-9-16
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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