Space Brief 29 Jun 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's new contract with the U.S. Space Force, multiple Starlink launches, Rocket Lab's rapid launch success, and the final mission of Japan's H-IIA rocket.
STARLINK-30994 (58483)
COSPAR: 2023-186L | Alt Name: Starlink 30994
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58483
International Designator
2023-186L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:59:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
230.97°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
60.62°
Period
93.74 min
Mean Motion
15.36 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-30994
Alternative Name
Starlink 30994
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58483U 23186L 26200.79099022 -.00011141 00000+0 -30089-3 0 9998
2 58483 42.9973 230.9721 0008388 60.6150 299.5542 15.36208137148042
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-30994 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-186L) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration launched on December 3, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 6-31-11 constellation, operated by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 6-31-11
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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