Space Brief 18 Sep 2025
Today's coverage includes China's recent satellite launch, the Space Force's challenges with current tracking capabilities, and advancements in nuclear propulsion from Ohio State.
STARLINK-30320 (57678)
COSPAR: 2023-124R | Alt Name: Starlink 30320
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57678
International Designator
2023-124R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:56:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
300.05°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
95.17°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-30320
Alternative Name
Starlink 30320
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57678U 23124R 26200.49758323 -.00001021 00000+0 -19085-4 0 9998
2 57678 53.1596 300.0471 0001178 95.1674 264.9464 15.34396461163959
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-30320 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-124R) is a Starlink V2M spacecraft belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on August 22, 2023 from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload equipment and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system utilizes Argon ion thrusters. This satellite operates in the Starlink Group 7-1-16 constellation and its shape can be described as a box with pan configuration.
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 7-1-16
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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