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-31163 (58807)
COSPAR: 2024-012W | Alt Name: Starlink 31163
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 15, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58807
International Designator
2024-012W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:33:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
138.45°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.46°
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-31163
Alternative Name
Starlink 31163
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58807U 24012W 26200.85672876 .00000797 00000+0 38465-4 0 9998
2 58807 43.0027 138.4499 0000429 268.4570 91.6232 15.27584857141451
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31163 is a communication satellite identified by NORAD as CAT ID 58807 and OBJECT_ID 2024-012W, belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 15, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and it has a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, STARLINK-31163 is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. It operates as part of the Starlink Group 6-37-21 constellation owned by SpaceX for communication purposes.
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 6-37-21
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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