Space Brief 21 Dec 2025
Today's briefing highlights the SDA's significant satellite award, Blue Origin's groundbreaking flight, and NASA's call for an Artemis review.
STARLINK-31124 (58674)
COSPAR: 2023-211H | Alt Name: Starlink 31124
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 29, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58674
International Designator
2023-211H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:35:09 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
58.14°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.37°
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-31124
Alternative Name
Starlink 31124
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58674U 23211H 26200.94108212 .00000146 00000+0 14829-4 0 9994
2 58674 43.0034 58.1440 0001762 268.3670 91.6980 15.27577288142693
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 58674 and OBJECT_ID 2023-211H, is part of the Starlink v2 Mini constellation owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on December 29, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and reduces to a dry mass of 700 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities, optical inter-satellite link technology, solar arrays for power generation, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its shape consists of a box with a pan configuration and serves the purpose of communication within the Starlink Group 6-36-08 constellation.
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 6-36-08
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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