Space Brief 22 Sep 2025
Today's edition highlights the operational deployment of HawkEye 360's Cluster 12, Shandong's record satellite launch, Planet Labs' latest imaging achievements, SpaceX's Starlink launches, and more.
STARLINK-30882 (58379)
COSPAR: 2023-178F | Alt Name: Starlink 30882
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58379
International Designator
2023-178F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 03:55:44 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
108.06°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
85.52°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-30882
Alternative Name
Starlink 30882
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58379U 23178F 26200.16370492 .00000664 00000+0 30793-4 0 9996
2 58379 53.1592 108.0579 0001113 85.5192 274.5938 15.34398088150053
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-30882, also known as Starlink 30882, is a communication satellite under the Starlink Group 7-7-06 mission. Launched on November 20, 2023, from SLC4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has an object ID of 2023-178F and belongs to SpaceX (SPXS). This satellite features the Starlink v2 Mini configuration with dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries for power generation, it carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link to facilitate its communication mission.
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 7-7-06
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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