Space Brief 13 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers a new naming system by Space Force, China's space advances, drone defense at Cape Canaveral, and more military updates impacting space operations.
STARLINK-31126 (58675)
COSPAR: 2023-211J | Alt Name: Starlink 31126
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 29, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58675
International Designator
2023-211J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:05:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
61.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.25°
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-31126
Alternative Name
Starlink 31126
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58675U 23211J 26200.33718269 .00000641 00000+0 32827-4 0 9995
2 58675 43.0055 61.3453 0001243 268.2483 91.8226 15.27577659142600
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31126 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-211J) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration spacecraft manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on December 29, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it weighs 730 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration and operates within the Starlink Group 6-36-09 mission framework.
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 6-36-09
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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