Space Brief 2 Jul 2025
Explore today's major events in space, including military advancements in satellite tracking, new missile defenses, and significant defense funding decisions.
STARLINK-31351 (58972)
COSPAR: 2024-031H | Alt Name: Starlink 31351
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58972
International Designator
2024-031H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:09:33 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
42.78°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
104.90°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-31351
Alternative Name
Starlink 31351
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58972U 24031H 26200.79830222 .00000759 00000+0 33597-4 0 9995
2 58972 53.1623 42.7768 0001676 104.9002 255.2186 15.34394177136758
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31351, also known as Starlink 31351, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 7-14-08 payload. It was launched on February 15, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. Weighing 730 kilograms at launch and 700 kilograms dry mass, it is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite's mission is 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 7-14-08
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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