Space Brief 22 May 2025
Today's brief covers strategic alignments in U.S. military space operations, a landmark missile defense program, and advances in secure satellite communications.
STARLINK-30859 (58371)
COSPAR: 2023-177W | Alt Name: Starlink 30859
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 18, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58371
International Designator
2023-177W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:33:46 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
325.00°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
291.25°
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-30859
Alternative Name
Starlink 30859
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58371U 23177W 26200.77345461 -.00000933 00000+0 -24378-4 0 9995
2 58371 43.0008 324.9981 0001098 291.2480 68.8254 15.27575975148437
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-30859 satellite, also known as Starlink 30859, is a communication satellite designed under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on November 18, 2023, from Space Launch Complex 40 (LC40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters, featuring a box plus panel shape. At launch, it had a mass of 730 kg with a dry mass of 700 kg. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and includes a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite's propulsion system consists of Argon ion thrusters to maintain its orbit, and it is part of the Starlink Group 6-28-21 mission aimed at enhancing global communication services.
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 6-28-21
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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