Space Brief 11 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's NROL-153 launch, US Space Force activities in Greenland, Starlink's record-breaking flight, and a OneWeb satellite glitch. Plus, our Satellite Spotlight shines on Duchifat-1.
STARLINK-31184 (58793)
COSPAR: 2024-012G | Alt Name: Starlink 31184
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 15, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58793
International Designator
2024-012G
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:50:20 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
138.55°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
276.56°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31184
Alternative Name
Starlink 31184
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58793U 24012G 26200.86828891 .00001245 00000+0 54765-4 0 9993
2 58793 43.0030 138.5467 0000989 276.5571 83.5168 15.27575857141455
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31184 is a communication satellite, part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the Starlink Group 6-37-07 mission. It was launched on January 15, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and it was launched with a total mass of 730 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity, STARLINK-31184 aims to enhance communication capabilities as part of its mission objectives.
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 6-37-07
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.
Apophis 2029 Flyby: ESA-JAXA Joint Mission Locked In | KeepTrack Space Brief
ESA and JAXA finalize collaboration for asteroid Apophis 2029 flyby at 32,000 km—closer than geostationary orbit. Historic near-Earth encounter being heavily observed.
X Report 8 Jul 2025
SpaceX marks a milestone with its 500th Falcon 9 mission during a week of notable developments, including ongoing Starlink deployments and changes in U.S. military plans.
X Report 23 Jun 2025
SpaceX gears up for the Transporter 14 rideshare mission, while recent Starship setbacks have not deterred plans for Falcon 9 launches.
SpaceX Starfall Reentry Capsule Debuts, X Report 23 Jun 2026
SpaceX Starfall reentry capsule debuted June 23: the 2,100 kg disk launched on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral to demo cargo return from orbit.
X Report 29 May 2025
SpaceX made strides in both Starship and Starlink missions this week, launching another round of satellites while concurrently testing their Starship capabilities amidst challenges.
X Report 1 May 2025
SpaceX launches diabetes research mission to ISS; EU considers SES for Starlink support; Amazon's Kuiper enters satellite race.
X Report 7 Feb 2025
DIU explores SpaceX Starship's in-space refueling; Investors advise startups against competing or emulating SpaceX.