Space Brief 18 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.
STARLINK-31018 (58635)
COSPAR: 2023-203T | Alt Name: Starlink 31018
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 23, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58635
International Designator
2023-203T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:40:23 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
42.37°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.91°
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-31018
Alternative Name
Starlink 31018
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58635U 23203T 26200.61138073 .00000749 00000+0 36735-4 0 9993
2 58635 43.0034 42.3695 0001080 268.9055 91.1673 15.27576349144966
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31018 satellite, also known as Starlink 31018, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and launched on December 23, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station 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, featuring a Box + pan shape. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes and is equipped with Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and it has a launch mass of 730 kg. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries, while the satellite's mission is to provide communication services within the Starlink v2 Mini configuration.
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 6-32-18
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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