Space Brief 12 Jul 2025
Today's focus spans from major military training initiatives in orbit to key updates on drone policies and crucial satellite launches.
STARLINK-31209 (58883)
COSPAR: 2024-020H | Alt Name: Starlink 31209
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58883
International Designator
2024-020H
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:34:15 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
65.51°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.49°
Period
93.85 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-31209
Alternative Name
Starlink 31209
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58883U 24020H 26201.02378793 .00000619 00000+0 29459-4 0 9998
2 58883 53.1597 65.5090 0001160 88.4872 271.6264 15.34401957138362
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31209 satellite, also known as Starlink 31209, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on January 29, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It belongs to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series with a BUS type of Starlink V2M. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms, and it was launched with a total mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply. It is owned by SpaceX and operates under the Starlink Group 7-12-08 mission. The propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters.
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 7-12-08
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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