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-30866 (58237)
COSPAR: 2023-171H | Alt Name: Starlink 30866
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 8, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58237
International Designator
2023-171H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:04:47 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
262.62°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
282.40°
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-30866
Alternative Name
Starlink 30866
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58237U 23171H 26200.16999839 .00002450 00000+0 98536-4 0 9998
2 58237 43.0044 262.6230 0001650 282.4050 77.6617 15.27581347149849
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-30866 satellite, also known as Starlink 30866, was launched on November 8, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink Group 6-27-08 and belongs to SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. Its dry mass is 700 kg, with a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite's primary purpose is communication and its shape consists of a box with an extended panel design.
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 6-27-08
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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