Space Brief 12 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers China's ongoing assessments following a potential debris strike on Shenzhou-20, SpaceX's record-breaking Starlink launch, Rocket Lab's delay of the Neutron rocket, and more.
STARLINK-30885 (58361)
COSPAR: 2023-177L | Alt Name: Starlink 30885
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 18, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58361
International Designator
2023-177L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:41:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
324.77°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
263.24°
Period
94.26 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-30885
Alternative Name
Starlink 30885
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58361U 23177L 26200.73746873 -.00012918 00000+0 -45999-3 0 9999
2 58361 43.0034 324.7694 0001837 263.2393 96.8250 15.27630551148436
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30885 is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, identified by NORAD CAT ID 58361 and OBJECT ID 2023-177L. Launched on November 18, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it was manufactured by SPXS for the Starlink Group 6-28-11 mission. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its payload includes Ku/Ka/E-band equipment along with an optical inter-satellite link, supported by Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite is owned by SPXS and serves communication purposes in orbit.
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 6-28-11
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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