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-30581 (58096)
COSPAR: 2023-160X | Alt Name: Starlink 30581
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 18, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58096
International Designator
2023-160X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:11:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
52.83°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
255.21°
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-30581
Alternative Name
Starlink 30581
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58096U 23160X 26200.63301844 .00002665 00000+0 10632-3 0 9992
2 58096 43.0041 52.8295 0001046 255.2109 104.8627 15.27588624153126
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-30581 satellite, designated 2023-160X and part of the Starlink Group 6-23-22 payload, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on October 18, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this Starlink V2M satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, with an operational span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, while its launch mass was 730 kg, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 6-23-22
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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