Space Brief 7 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite launches, military implications in space funding, and notable reentry delays.
STARLINK-30704 (57946)
COSPAR: 2023-148M | Alt Name: Starlink 30704
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57946
International Designator
2023-148M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:18:23 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
208.60°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
79.83°
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-30704
Alternative Name
Starlink 30704
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57946U 23148M 26200.34611108 .00000151 00000+0 15597-4 0 9990
2 57946 53.1583 208.5958 0001161 79.8258 280.2875 15.34384984157490
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30704 satellite, also known as Starlink 30704, is a communication satellite built by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on September 25, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans about 29 meters when fully deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its motor consists of Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering in space. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."
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 7-3-12
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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