Space Brief 11 Dec 2024
Explore today's space news including Space Force's five-year reflection, Rocket Lab's military hypersonic test, SpaceX's festive launch, and a glimpse at China's strategic space maneuvers.
NORAD ID
58162
International Designator
2023-166N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:33:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
326.62°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
102.96°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
STARLINK-30816
Alternative Name
Starlink 30816
Type
Status
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 58162U 23166N 26200.64810463 .00000615 00000+0 32881-4 0 9999
2 58162 53.1589 326.6158 0001151 102.9618 257.1512 15.30194157153380
Source: Celestrak
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
Payload
Starlink Group 7-6-13
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
Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Explore today's space news including Space Force's five-year reflection, Rocket Lab's military hypersonic test, SpaceX's festive launch, and a glimpse at China's strategic space maneuvers.
New Glenn's upper stage malfunctioned April 19, stranding AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird 7; the satellite is lost. Vulcan may fly without solid boosters.
Starlink gains ground in geopolitical shifts, while SpaceX makes progress on next-gen facilities and prepares for Crew-11 mission to ISS.
Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.
Today's Space Brief highlights the latest developments in China's megaconstellation funding, Russia's nuclear posturing in Europe, and other significant military activities.
In 2024, China launched 68 orbital missions. In 2025, the number jumped to 97. In 2026, state media and Western analysts agree the target is 140 or more. Most of that growth is being driven by two state-backed mega-constellations, a half-dozen private launch companies hitting stride, and a deliberate national pivot toward commercial space. Beijing is no longer trying to catch SpaceX. It is trying to build an industrial base that outlasts one.
SpaceX rounds off a record-setting year with over 130 launches, achieving new milestones in Starship development and Starlink expansion.
Space Force procures second Otter spacecraft for satellite repositioning. Momentus and NASA sign Space Act Agreement for orbital servicing tests. Pentagon delays contractor review.