Space Brief 25 Feb 2025
Today's Space Brief covers imminent launches, new developments in space technology, and strategic military contributions to satellite defense systems.
STARLINK-31005 (58486)
COSPAR: 2023-186P | Alt Name: Starlink 31005
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58486
International Designator
2023-186P
Epoch
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:53:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
42.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
258.17°
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-31005
Alternative Name
Starlink 31005
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58486U 23186P 26199.91181439 .00000526 00000+0 28654-4 0 9995
2 58486 43.0024 42.6848 0001539 258.1666 101.9013 15.27572437145952
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31005 satellite, also known as Starlink 31005, is a communication satellite designed under the configuration of Starlink v2 Mini and manufactured by SPXS in the United States. Launched on December 3, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched with a total mass of 730 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its dimensions are notable with a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while the shape of the satellite 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 6-31-14
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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