Space Brief 1 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers an increase in Chinese satellite launches, the operational status of the Space Force's ATLAS software, and a significant fundraising event in the defense sector.
STARLINK-31314 (58967)
COSPAR: 2024-031C | Alt Name: Starlink 31314
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58967
International Designator
2024-031C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:47:33 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
42.49°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
69.85°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 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-31314
Alternative Name
Starlink 31314
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58967U 24031C 26200.86636178 -.00000226 00000+0 44931-5 0 9996
2 58967 53.1617 42.4920 0001464 69.8535 290.2623 15.30194620136771
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31314 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and designated as "Starlink Group 7-14-03." Launched on February 15, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Air Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it weighs 730 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Owned by SpaceX (SPXS), the satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," but additional details such as its radar cross-section (RCS) or specific mission events are not provided in the given data.
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 7-14-03
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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