Space Brief 14 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers the Vulcan Centaur's first mission, military space automation insights, and the retirement reflections of a Space Force leader.
STARLINK-31218 (58895)
COSPAR: 2024-020V | Alt Name: Starlink 31218
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58895
International Designator
2024-020V
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:44:18 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
66.96°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
97.38°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31218
Alternative Name
Starlink 31218
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58895U 24020V 26201.03077542 -.00001141 00000+0 -24996-4 0 9994
2 58895 53.1612 66.9610 0001202 97.3796 262.7342 15.31706342138346
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31218 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-020V) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SPXS and launched on January 29, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg and it launched with a total mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, STARLINK-31218 uses solar arrays and batteries for power and Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's purpose is communication within the Starlink Group 7-12-20 constellation.
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 7-12-20
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 30 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab joining the US Space Force's national security launch program, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, China's successful EVA, and intriguing science aboard SpaceX's Fram2 mission.
X Report 27 May 2025
Today marks a significant day for SpaceX as the company prepares for the 9th test flight of its Starship-Super Heavy rocket, alongside a successful launch of 24 Starlink satellites to polar orbit.
Falcon 9 Launches 25 Starlink Satellites After Weather Delays | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launches 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg after multiple weather delays. 20th Falcon 9 mission of 2026 features second-ever booster landing near The Bahamas.
SpaceX Targets 600th Falcon Booster Landing, X Report 19 Apr 2026
SpaceX targets its 600th Falcon 9 booster landing on Starlink 17-22, lofting 25 satellites from Vandenberg. Plus a 2028 SpaceX ride for ESA's Mars rover.
Tianlong-3 Fails on Debut; SpaceX Wins $178.5M Space Force Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
China's Tianlong-3 rocket failed during ascent on debut launch Friday. SpaceX secured $178.5M Space Force contract for missile tracking satellite launches beginning 2027.
X Report 18 Jul 2025
Elon Musk provided updates on the anticipated Starship Flight 10, along with insights on SpaceX's progress at Cape Canaveral. Key developments include target timelines for upcoming launches and ongoing efforts in Starship's development.
X Report 6 Apr 2025
SpaceX's Fram2 mission lands in the Pacific, SpaceX secures U.S. military contracts, and Starlink expands with latest satellite launch.