Space Brief 22 Sep 2025
Today's edition highlights the operational deployment of HawkEye 360's Cluster 12, Shandong's record satellite launch, Planet Labs' latest imaging achievements, SpaceX's Starlink launches, and more.
STARLINK-30326 (57639)
COSPAR: 2023-122H | Alt Name: Starlink 30326
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 17, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57639
International Designator
2023-122H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:24:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
67.07°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
263.71°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-30326
Alternative Name
Starlink 30326
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57639U 23122H 26200.68379810 -.00000626 00000+0 -13229-4 0 9998
2 57639 43.0059 67.0713 0001394 263.7060 96.3633 15.27567353162393
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-30326 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-122H) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration launched by SpaceX on August 17, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using the 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 panels or antennas. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, it is designed for communication purposes. It utilizes argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system and relies on solar arrays and batteries for power generation.
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 6-10-08
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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