Space Brief 16 Sep 2025
Today's brief highlights the impact of military spending and technology competition on the space economy, new satellite connectivity partnerships, and defense spending pledges in Europe.
STARLINK-31033 (58723)
COSPAR: 2024-002U | Alt Name: Starlink 31033
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58723
International Designator
2024-002U
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:41:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
335.02°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.86°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 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-31033
Alternative Name
Starlink 31033
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58723U 24002U 26201.07051905 .00002164 00000+0 85188-4 0 9997
2 58723 53.1614 335.0177 0001019 82.8555 277.2561 15.30195232142285
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31033, also known as Starlink 31033, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on January 3, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and Argon ion thrusters as its motor system.
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 7-9-19
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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