Space Brief 31 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers significant space events, including milestone national security certifications for ULA Vulcan and Rocket Lab, SpaceX's groundbreaking polar orbit mission, and a failed launch attempt by Isar Aerospace.
STARLINK-30612 (58106)
COSPAR: 2023-161K | Alt Name: Starlink 30612
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58106
International Designator
2023-161K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:35:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
257.84°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
97.32°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-30612
Alternative Name
Starlink 30612
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58106U 23161K 26200.56663345 .00011707 00000+0 35776-3 0 9997
2 58106 53.1599 257.8417 0001473 97.3174 262.7996 15.34337752154814
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30612 satellite, also known as Starlink 30612, is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the broader Starlink Group 7-5-10 payload. Launched on October 21, 2023, from AFWTR (SLC4E) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a NORAD catalog ID of 58106 and an object ID of 2023-161K. The satellite features a box with pan shape, measures 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, spans 29 meters, and weighs 700 kg dry. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. Its equipment includes Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite is owned by SpaceX (SPXS), which also manufactured it.
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 7-5-10
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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