Space Brief 21 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, fascinating exoplanet discoveries, and strategic lunar developments by China and South Korea.
STARLINK-30421 (58107)
COSPAR: 2023-161L | Alt Name: Starlink 30421
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58107
International Designator
2023-161L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:34:51 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
258.00°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
74.11°
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-30421
Alternative Name
Starlink 30421
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58107U 23161L 26200.48254541 .00000644 00000+0 30202-4 0 9991
2 58107 53.1585 257.9956 0000910 74.1136 285.9967 15.34389868154815
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30421 satellite, also known as Starlink 30421, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink Group 7-5-11. It was launched on October 21, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, it has a span of 29 meters, indicating the deployment of its solar arrays or other appendages. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, with an overall launch mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system consists of Argon ion thrusters. Manufactured by SPXS in the US, it operates as part of a constellation designed to provide global internet coverage.
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 7-5-11
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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