Space Brief 25 Aug 2024
Today's Space Brief covers NASA's decision on Starliner, SpaceX's preparations for the Polaris Dawn mission, and updates on various space activities. Also featured is an in-depth look at the Hubble Space Telescope.
STARLINK-31027 (58720)
COSPAR: 2024-002R | Alt Name: Starlink 31027
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58720
International Designator
2024-002R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:49:39 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.14°
Right Ascension
301.45°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
32.77°
Period
91.27 min
Mean Motion
15.78 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31027
Alternative Name
Starlink 31027
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58720U 24002R 26200.45115449 .00081890 00000+0 47829-3 0 9991
2 58720 53.1382 301.4492 0007918 32.7740 327.3771 15.77668683142696
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31027 satellite, also known as Starlink 31027, is a communication satellite built by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on January 3, 2024, from the AFWTR launch site using a Falcon 9 rocket. It has a configuration known as Starlink v2 Mini with dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry and 730 kilograms at launch. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power comes from solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters.
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 7-9-16
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Starlink Mobile US Plan, Ship 40 Static Fire, X Report 27 Jun 2026
Starlink mobile service is planned for the US as SpaceX fires Ship 40's single Raptor in a prelaunch test, with 10,689 Starlink satellites working.
NRO Expands Commercial Satellite Role to Airborne Target Tracking | KeepTrack Space Brief
NRO awards three commercial data contracts and explores vetting satellite firms for airborne target tracking via U.S. Space Force. Strategic expansion of GEOINT capabilities.
X Report 19 Nov 2024
Starship Flight 6 approaches with a daring booster catch, while SpaceX ramps up satellite launches and navigates regulatory challenges.
Space Brief 25 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's launch of a secret US spy satellite, national security satellite launches, and Japan's missile ambitions. Also highlighted are Estonia's AI defense upgrades and autonomous airpower in Australia.
X Report 30 Nov 2024
SpaceX executes dual Starlink launches and secures Dragonfly mission contract while managing NRO satellite deployment.
X Report 11 Jan 2025
Starship Flight 7 scheduled for Jan 13, SpaceX sets Falcon 9 record, and NRO expands spy satellite constellation.
Space Brief 25 Apr 2025
Today's briefing covers the largest-ever spectrum sharing demo planned by the Pentagon, innovative strategies for drone deployment in the Air Force, and significant military procurement developments.