Space Brief 31 Dec 2025
Notable space events as the year closes: China's record orbital launches, Vandenberg's new launch site, Rocket Lab's achievements, and urgent MAVEN recovery efforts.
STARLINK-31195 (58796)
COSPAR: 2024-012K | Alt Name: Starlink 31195
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 15, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58796
International Designator
2024-012K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:20:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
142.61°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
262.25°
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-31195
Alternative Name
Starlink 31195
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58796U 24012K 26200.26455259 -.00001165 00000+0 -32839-4 0 9995
2 58796 43.0019 142.6090 0000617 262.2489 97.8292 15.27562874141351
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31195 satellite, also known as STARLINK-31195, is a communication satellite designed under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 15, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has a length of 0.3 meters, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans 29 meters with its deployed components. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. At launch, the satellite had a mass of 730 kg and a dry mass of 700 kg, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters. This satellite is part of the Starlink Group 6-37-10 constellation mission for enhancing global communication services.
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 6-37-10
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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