Space Brief 30 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers Rocket Lab's plans following a record-breaking year, efforts to recover NASA's MAVEN orbiter, and the potential relocation of space shuttle Discovery.
STARLINK-31294 (58949)
COSPAR: 2024-027U | Alt Name: Starlink 31294
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58949
International Designator
2024-027U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:15:49 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
55.90°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
94.35°
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-31294
Alternative Name
Starlink 31294
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58949U 24027U 26200.88598485 .00001088 00000+0 48855-4 0 9995
2 58949 53.1606 55.9024 0001276 94.3471 265.7676 15.30200153137568
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31294, also known as Starlink 31294, is a communication satellite designed and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on February 10, 2024, from Vandenberg Space Force Base (AFWTR) using Falcon 9 launch vehicle at SLC4E pad, this spacecraft has a configuration known as Starlink v2 Mini. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite is designed to operate in space primarily for communication purposes.
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 7-13-19
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.
X Report 28 Nov 2024
SpaceX advances with Starship, gains FCC approval for new services, and predicts a future shift in spacecraft dominance.
X Report 4 Jan 2025
SpaceX kicks off 2025 with successful launches and a record-breaking outlook, aiming to maintain its market leadership amidst emerging competition.
Congress Passes FY2026 Bill Reinstating NASA Funding, Slingshot Wins $27M AI Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
Congress passes FY2026 spending bill reinstating NASA funding. Slingshot Aerospace wins $27M Space Force contract for AI satellite training. Portal Space selects Atomic-6 debris shield for 2026 mission.
Space Brief 20 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include the U.S. military's satellite initiative facing delays, Senate inquiries into high-profile calls, and an update on Pentagon's UFO investigations. Notable mentions also cover Morocco's defense sector ambitions.
Object 100000 and the Sky That Outgrew Its Catalog
On July 11, 2026, a Portuguese satellite named after a Nobel laureate became the first object to carry catalog number 100000. It broke a five-digit numbering limit that had held since Sputnik, and exposed how unprepared decades of tracking software is for a sky this crowded.
X Report 17 Dec 2024
SpaceX executes a rapid response GPS mission for the U.S. Space Force, Starlink extends its reach with a beta smartphone connectivity service by T-Mobile, and Starship approaches its seventh launch with readiness milestones.
X Report 14 Dec 2024
SpaceX advances with Starship readiness, scrubs mysterious RRT-1 launch, and successfully deploys more Starlink satellites.