Space Brief 5 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers developments in US military space initiatives, advancements in missile technology, and notable military contractor activities.
STARLINK-30506 (58072)
COSPAR: 2023-158X | Alt Name: Starlink 30506
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 13, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58072
International Designator
2023-158X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:54:55 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
0.70°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
259.94°
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-30506
Alternative Name
Starlink 30506
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58072U 23158X 26200.87147068 .00000085 00000+0 12602-4 0 9999
2 58072 43.0007 0.7000 0000986 259.9366 100.1374 15.27575095153784
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30506 satellite, also known as Starlink 30506, is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-22-22 payload. Launched on October 13, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle by SPXS (SpaceX), it became stable on October 14, 2023. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite is designed primarily for communication purposes. The spacecraft's shape resembles a box with a pan design and is owned by SPXS.
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 6-22-22
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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