Space Brief 20 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, a pivotal delivery to the Space Force, and significant Senate funding for NASA missions.
STARLINK-30706 (57947)
COSPAR: 2023-148N | Alt Name: Starlink 30706
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57947
International Designator
2023-148N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:58:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
128.39°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
72.01°
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-30706
Alternative Name
Starlink 30706
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57947U 23148N 26200.83252124 -.00001269 00000+0 -26436-4 0 9991
2 57947 53.1604 128.3880 0001491 72.0067 288.1098 15.34374037158681
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-30706 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-148N), was launched on September 25, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite measures approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters when deployed. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Power is supplied through solar arrays and batteries. It operates as part of the Starlink Group 7-3-13 constellation and has a box-shaped body with a 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 7-3-13
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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