Space Brief 5 Feb 2025
Today's briefing covers strategic military developments including missile defense proposals and board realignments, intertwined with rising space defense exports and autonomous launcher progress.
STARLINK-30968 (58511)
COSPAR: 2023-191D | Alt Name: Starlink 30968
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 7, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58511
International Designator
2023-191D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:33:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
76.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
262.87°
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-30968
Alternative Name
Starlink 30968
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58511U 23191D 26200.94019102 -.00003578 00000+0 -12053-3 0 9990
2 58511 43.0015 76.8704 0001086 262.8660 97.2068 15.27589771145691
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-30968 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite manufactured by SpaceX and was launched on December 7, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a configuration designated as Bus "Starlink V2M" with dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kg dry and was launched at a mass of 730 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries for power supply, and Argon ion thrusters as its motor, it serves the purpose of communication. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."
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 6-33-04
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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