Space Brief 26 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the crash of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket over Europe, the Space Force's mapping efforts with Iron Dome, and key military appointments and funding decisions.
STARLINK-30865 (58226)
COSPAR: 2023-170W | Alt Name: Starlink 30865
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58226
International Designator
2023-170W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:17:27 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
159.96°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
262.06°
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-30865
Alternative Name
Starlink 30865
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58226U 23170W 26200.26212382 .00000555 00000+0 29665-4 0 9998
2 58226 43.0024 159.9620 0000655 262.0582 98.0195 15.27578729150552
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30865 is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and designated by the NORAD catalog ID 58226. Launched on November 3, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It was manufactured by SPXS and weighs 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. The payload includes Ku/Ka/E-band communication equipment and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus pan shape. It was stabilized on November 4, 2023.
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 6-26-21
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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