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-31371 (58940)
COSPAR: 2024-027K | Alt Name: Starlink 31371
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58940
International Designator
2024-027K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:25:02 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
56.13°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
98.20°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31371
Alternative Name
Starlink 31371
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58940U 24027K 26200.80906137 .00001114 00000+0 49726-4 0 9993
2 58940 53.1593 56.1305 0001221 98.2005 261.9135 15.30198467137556
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31371 satellite, designated OBJECT_ID 2024-027K and cataloged under NORAD CAT ID 58940, is a part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 10, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering, it carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and features an optical inter-satellite link. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and its launch mass was 730 kg. The satellite's power supply consists of solar arrays and batteries, aimed at facilitating communication purposes as part of the Starlink Group 7-13-10 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 7-13-10
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.
South Korea Plans Defense Satellite Constellation With Hanwha Systems | KeepTrack Space Brief
Hanwha Systems in talks with MDA Space and Telesat for South Korean defense satellite constellation. SpaceX preps GPS satellite launch for Space Force. Seismic networks now track space junk reentry.
Space Brief 21 Oct 2024
Today's Space Brief covers SpaceX's recent launch for OneWeb, advances in remote-control robots for lunar missions, the power loss of Intelsat 33e, and developments in inflatable space habitats.
X Report 27 Feb 2025
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets propel space exploration and connectivity forward with a moon landing mission, Starlink deployment, and readiness for another Starship launch trial.
STARLINK-4621 Faces Critical Conjunction as Eight Satellites Reenter | KeepTrack X Report
A HIGH-risk conjunction between STARLINK-4621 and the defunct SL-18 rocket body leads the July 11 safety picture, with eight Starlink satellites set to reenter through July 14.
X Report 28 Jun 2025
SpaceX continues to dominate with two Starlink launches in one day, the unveiling of its final Crew Dragon, and facing legal challenges from Mexico regarding a recent Starship incident.
Space Force Stands Up SPACEFOR-NORTH for Homeland Defense | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force inaugurates SPACEFOR-NORTH at Peterson SFB for homeland defense. Viridian inks AFRL satellite agreement. HASC chair seeks $450B defense fund.
The Day That Humans Discovered Rocket Fuel
On February 2, 1909, Robert Goddard made a revolutionary breakthrough in his notebook: liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen could achieve 50% efficiency in converting heat energy to kinetic energy for rocket propulsion