Space Brief 1 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers an increase in Chinese satellite launches, the operational status of the Space Force's ATLAS software, and a significant fundraising event in the defense sector.
STARLINK-31117 (58776)
COSPAR: 2024-011M | Alt Name: Starlink 31117
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58776
International Designator
2024-011M
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:33:37 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
118.43°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
74.30°
Period
94.10 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-31117
Alternative Name
Starlink 31117
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58776U 24011M 26201.19001613 .00004557 00000+0 16574-3 0 9999
2 58776 53.1591 118.4341 0001289 74.2991 285.8152 15.30231398140554
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31117 is a communication satellite, also known as Starlink 31117, belonging to the Starlink Group 7-10-12 payload and operating under the configuration of Starlink v2 Mini. Launched on January 14, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg, and its equipment includes Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link capabilities. It utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power, Argon ion thrusters as motors, and operates under the ownership of SPXS (SpaceX) in the United States.
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 7-10-12
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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