Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.
STARLINK-31079 (58598)
COSPAR: 2023-200K | Alt Name: Starlink 31079
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 19, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58598
International Designator
2023-200K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:04:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
42.97°
Right Ascension
80.61°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
225.54°
Period
91.56 min
Mean Motion
15.73 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-31079
Alternative Name
Starlink 31079
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58598U 23200K 26200.71174058 .00063165 00000+0 43838-3 0 9994
2 58598 42.9735 80.6118 0033536 225.5428 134.2696 15.72765537144524
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31079 or Starlink 31079, was launched on December 19, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and is owned by SPXS (SpaceX). It measures approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters, which likely includes its solar arrays or antennas. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 730 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload equipment and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, and it utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 6-34-10
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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