Space Brief 15 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-setting Starlink launch, Redwire's contract for USSF, and military satellite developments.
STARLINK-30278 (57668)
COSPAR: 2023-124F | Alt Name: Starlink 30278
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57668
International Designator
2023-124F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:03:02 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
313.22°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
109.00°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30278
Alternative Name
Starlink 30278
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57668U 23124F 26200.71044066 .00000535 00000+0 26958-4 0 9998
2 57668 53.1608 313.2177 0001002 109.0031 251.1080 15.34392699163781
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30278 satellite, also known as Starlink 30278, is a communication satellite part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on August 22, 2023, from AFWTR Launch Site SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and an operational span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kg dry and had a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power supply and argon ion thrusters as motors. Manufactured by SPXS, the primary mission of STARLINK-30278 is to provide 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 7-1-06
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 10 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of a mystery spysat, Maxar's terrain data for U.S. Army systems, and multiple U.S. defense firms enhancing satellite capabilities.
Space Brief 24 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers South Korea's fourth spy satellite launch, potential changes in drone deployment strategies by the US Air Force, and the largest-ever spectrum-sharing demonstration set by the Pentagon.
Starlink V2: 100x Faster, 5G Direct-to-Phone for Europe | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Starlink V2 promises 100x data density for 5G direct-to-phone service. Deutsche Telekom targets 10 European countries by 2028.
Space Brief 11 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights pivotal defense budget evaluations, Lithuania's growing defense connections, the first CubeSat for ESA's Ramses mission, and the one-year milestone of the Aries satellite in orbit.
X Report 2 Sep 2025
SpaceX kicks off a busy week with five Falcon 9 missions planned, while the impressive layout of Raptor engines on Starship captures imaginations.
Space Brief 16 Oct 2024
In today's briefing: China accelerates its satellite megaconstellation. A comprehensive ESA-led optical data network is in the works, marking a key step in satellite communications. NASA's Artemis II crew visits Ohio in preparation for their lunar journey. SpaceX's record-breaking rocket launches continue. Plus, insights into nuclear rockets that could drastically shorten Mars missions.
Space Brief 20 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include advances in space tracking technology by the US Space Force, SpaceX's infrastructure expansion, and a spectacular birthday landing on Earth. Additionally, we spotlight a significant exoplanetary discovery and satellite updates.