X Report 5 Aug 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while returning to form with Starship testing at Starbase. Meanwhile, preparations for upcoming launches are underway.
STARLINK-31255 (58893)
COSPAR: 2024-020T | Alt Name: Starlink 31255
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58893
International Designator
2024-020T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:29:42 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
66.13°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
98.07°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31255
Alternative Name
Starlink 31255
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58893U 24020T 26200.89563036 -.00001095 00000+0 -21292-4 0 9997
2 58893 53.1612 66.1252 0001478 98.0693 262.0477 15.34387320138343
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31255 satellite, also known as Starlink 31255, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on January 29, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC4E) at Vandenberg Air Force Base (AFWTR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters, the satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays for power generation, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The launch mass was 730 kg. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a panel configuration.
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 7-12-18
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites from both coasts, while first 3D atmospheric map of an exoplanet reveals extreme weather patterns, and Starlink missions push total count over 8,000 satellites.
The Day Japan Joined the Geostationary Club
Forty-eight years ago, a pioneering satellite named Kiku 2 propelled Japan into the exclusive group of nations capable of operating satellites in geostationary orbit
FAA Approves Starship Launches from LC-39A, FCC Accepts Orbital Data Center Filing | KeepTrack X Report
FAA approves SpaceX Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center LC-39A. FCC accepts 1-million satellite orbital data center filing. Canada ranks as 5th largest Starlink market.
Pentagon Orders 30,000 One-Way Drones; Sierra Space Raises $550M | KeepTrack Space Brief
Pentagon to order 30,000 attritable drones within days via Gauntlet competition. Meanwhile, Sierra Space closes $550M Series C funding round for national security spaceplane applications.
The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Universe
Forty-seven years ago, a revolutionary space telescope changed our view of the cosmos, pioneering international cooperation in space-based astronomy
Space Force Reassigns GPS III to Falcon 9 After Vulcan Grounding | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force shifts GPS III satellite launch from ULA's Vulcan to SpaceX Falcon 9 due to persistent solid rocket booster issues. Critical navigation asset reassignment signals operational consequences.
Starship V3 Scrubbed & SpaceX Files $18.7B IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX scrubbed Starship Flight 12's V3 debut due to a hydraulic pin fault, then filed an $18.7B IPO S-1 targeting Nasdaq under ticker SPCX.