Space Brief 9 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
STARLINK-30508 (57979)
COSPAR: 2023-151R | Alt Name: Starlink 30508
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 30, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
57979
International Designator
2023-151R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:10:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
325.19°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.72°
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-30508
Alternative Name
Starlink 30508
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 57979U 23151R 26200.71573536 -.00000286 00000+0 -86718-6 0 9999
2 57979 43.0009 325.1894 0001223 271.7224 88.3488 15.27574417155788
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-30508, also known as Starlink 30508, is a Starlink v2 Mini communication satellite manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on September 30, 2023, from the LC40 launch pad at AFETR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It weighs approximately 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it serves as part of the Starlink Group 6-19-16 constellation mission to provide communication services. The satellite has a box plus pan shape but lacks specific details on its lifetime, ADCS, color, transmitter frequencies, major events, material composition, related satellites, or sources.
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 6-19-16
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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