Space Brief 7 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers China’s latest satellite launches, leadership changes in the U.S. Space Force, insights from hyperspectral imagery on an Iranian facility, SpaceX's Starlink mission, and more.
STARLINK-30318 (57711)
COSPAR: 2023-129P | Alt Name: Starlink 30318
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 27, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57711
International Designator
2023-129P
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:25:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
95.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
262.63°
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-30318
Alternative Name
Starlink 30318
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57711U 23129P 26200.10105670 -.00000178 00000+0 30562-5 0 9995
2 57711 43.0057 95.4620 0001281 262.6263 97.4443 15.27576657160646
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30318 satellite, also known as Starlink 30318, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-11-14 payload. It was launched on August 27, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays coupled with batteries for power, it carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. It is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and manufactured in the US for communication purposes.
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 6-11-14
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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