Space Brief 21 Nov 2024
Today's brief covers influential space events including Space Force's interest in Starship, U.S. military constellation advancements, and technological developments in counter-drone capabilities.
STARLINK-30312 (57641)
COSPAR: 2023-122K | Alt Name: Starlink 30312
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 17, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57641
International Designator
2023-122K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:47:37 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
68.69°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.71°
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-30312
Alternative Name
Starlink 30312
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57641U 23122K 26200.32473984 .00000044 00000+0 11115-4 0 9993
2 57641 43.0028 68.6886 0001372 267.7063 92.3632 15.27571899162343
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-30312 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-122K) is a Starlink V2M configuration spacecraft manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on August 17, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and is propelled by Argon ion thrusters. Its mission is communication, fitting within the broader Starlink Group 6-10-10 constellation.
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 6-10-10
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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