Space Brief 6 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers secret Space Force payloads monitoring China's satellites, collaborations reducing satellite tracking delays, and new AI projects for military operations.
STARLINK-31233 (58826)
COSPAR: 2024-017A | Alt Name: Starlink 31233
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58826
International Designator
2024-017A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:29:25 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
311.54°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
94.46°
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-31233
Alternative Name
Starlink 31233
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58826U 24017A 26200.60377066 -.00001228 00000+0 -29350-4 0 9995
2 58826 53.1598 311.5420 0000839 94.4565 265.6532 15.30213702140379
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31233 satellite, also known as Starlink 31233, is a communication satellite designed for the Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on January 24, 2024, from AFWTR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station) using Falcon 9 at SLC4E launch pad. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters for orbital maneuvers. The satellite has a launch mass of 730 kg and a dry mass of 700 kg.
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 7-11-01
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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