Space Brief 7 Nov 2025
Today's brief highlights a landmark cooperation between NASA and China to prevent satellite collision, strategic steps in American space leadership through nuclear energy, a U.S. military missile test, and more.
STARLINK-30848 (58240)
COSPAR: 2023-171L | Alt Name: Starlink 30848
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 8, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58240
International Designator
2023-171L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:06:38 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
272.42°
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-30848
Alternative Name
Starlink 30848
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58240U 23171L 26200.17127845 .00000241 00000+0 18280-4 0 9997
2 58240 43.0033 262.6200 0001738 272.4237 87.6415 15.27577384149844
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-30848 satellite, also known as Starlink 30848, is a communication satellite operated by SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on November 8, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a configuration of Starlink v2 Mini with dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its mission is to provide communication services using Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system.
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 6-27-11
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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