Space Brief 5 Jul 2025
Today's space highlights include China's first classified Shiyan-28B launch, Boeing's major satellite contract, new NASA budget allocations, and plans for shuttle Discovery's relocation.
STARLINK-30870 (58369)
COSPAR: 2023-177U | Alt Name: Starlink 30870
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 18, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58369
International Designator
2023-177U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:24:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
324.98°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.82°
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-30870
Alternative Name
Starlink 30870
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58369U 23177U 26200.76702632 .00001395 00000+0 60213-4 0 9997
2 58369 43.0021 324.9794 0001204 266.8158 93.2556 15.27581123148428
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30870 is a Starlink v2 Mini communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SPXS. It was launched on November 18, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when fully deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link and is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms, and it has a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries.
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 6-28-19
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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