Space Brief 2 May 2025
Today's space highlights include significant military contracts for aerospace innovations, advancements in small-satellite procurement, and discussions on the role of nuclear energy in space exploration.
STARLINK-30300 (57715)
COSPAR: 2023-129T | Alt Name: Starlink 30300
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 27, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57715
International Designator
2023-129T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:02:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
95.66°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
262.45°
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-30300
Alternative Name
Starlink 30300
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57715U 23129T 26200.12676051 -.00000241 00000+0 77892-6 0 9996
2 57715 43.0015 95.6611 0001253 262.4539 97.6170 15.27566344160785
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-30300 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-129T) is a Starlink v2 Mini model operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on August 27, 2023, from LC40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with an overall span of 29 meters. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for data transmission, it weighs approximately 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Its structure consists of a box with panels, designed primarily for communication purposes within the Starlink Group 6-11-18 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 6-11-18
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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