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-30480 (58069)
COSPAR: 2023-158U | Alt Name: Starlink 30480
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 13, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58069
International Designator
2023-158U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:53:26 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
221.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
279.37°
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-30480
Alternative Name
Starlink 30480
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58069U 23158U 26200.32878006 -.00000462 00000+0 -72565-5 0 9994
2 58069 42.9999 221.4039 0001697 279.3693 80.6967 15.27579874155377
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-30480 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-158U) is a Starlink V2M configured as part of the Starlink v2 Mini series, launched on October 13, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch and reduces to a dry mass of 700 kilograms after deployment. Its equipment includes a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and serves communication purposes as part of the Starlink Group 6-22-19 mission. The satellite was stabilized in orbit on October 14, 2023, and its shape is described as a box with a pan configuration. Manufactured by SPXS, it operates under US ownership for the purpose of communication services.
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 6-22-19
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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