Space Brief 6 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers China's latest experimental launch to GEO and new commercial satellites, insights from hyperspectral imagery on underground structures, and the Space Force's material testing for Mars missions.
STARLINK-31251 (58836)
COSPAR: 2024-017L | Alt Name: Starlink 31251
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58836
International Designator
2024-017L
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
308.54°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
95.11°
Period
93.90 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-31251
Alternative Name
Starlink 31251
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58836U 24017L 26201.25004630 .00051605 00000+0 15702-2 0 9998
2 58836 53.1587 308.5411 0001073 95.1141 223.5656 15.33537500 5865
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31251, also known as Starlink 31251, is a communication satellite part of the Starlink Group 7-11-11 and was launched on January 24, 2024, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. It has a configuration known as Starlink v2 Mini and measures approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kg dry, with an initial launch mass of 730 kg. Its equipment includes Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while it uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as a box with pan configuration, and it was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX).
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 7-11-11
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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