Space Brief 10 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's intense launch schedule, a new Arctic military constellation, Muon Space's defense innovations, and SpaceX's classified NROL-77 mission.
STARLINK-30553 (58056)
COSPAR: 2023-158F | Alt Name: Starlink 30553
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 13, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58056
International Designator
2023-158F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:23:27 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
0.55°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
262.55°
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-30553
Alternative Name
Starlink 30553
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58056U 23158F 26200.84962213 .00001617 00000+0 68270-4 0 9999
2 58056 43.0030 0.5491 0001338 262.5543 97.5157 15.27579635153785
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30553 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on October 13, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 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 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it also includes solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under SpaceX's Starlink Group 6-22-06 mission. It was declared stable on October 14, 2023, at 6:25 AM UTC.
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 6-22-06
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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