Space Brief 2 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.
STARLINK-30952 (58405)
COSPAR: 2023-180D | Alt Name: Starlink 30952
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 22, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58405
International Designator
2023-180D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:53:07 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
26.41°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.07°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-30952
Alternative Name
Starlink 30952
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58405U 23180D 26200.82855332 .00000569 00000+0 30194-4 0 9992
2 58405 43.0040 26.4133 0001004 278.0696 82.0042 15.27575524147727
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated as STARLINK-30952 or Starlink 30952, was launched on November 22, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. This communication satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering. Power generation comes from solar arrays supported by batteries. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), the mission aims to enhance global internet connectivity through its Starlink constellation.
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 6-29-04
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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