Space Brief 26 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers a new Space Force contract for advanced tracking systems, innovative debris removal strategies, pivotal new satellite launches, and significant updates in air quality tracking from orbit.
STARLINK-31406 (59017)
COSPAR: 2024-036V | Alt Name: Starlink 31406
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59017
International Designator
2024-036V
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:57:05 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
166.88°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
98.74°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31406
Alternative Name
Starlink 31406
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59017U 24036V 26201.20631498 .00001622 00000+0 59159-4 0 9994
2 59017 53.1591 166.8836 0001446 98.7423 261.3743 15.34389232135830
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31406 satellite, also known as Starlink 31406, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and launched on February 23, 2024, from AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E. It has the dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters with its solar arrays. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. This Starlink v2 Mini model was deployed as part of the Starlink Group 7-15-20 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 7-15-20
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 12 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers a groundbreaking national security mission for ULA's Vulcan, NASA's collaboration with LeoLabs for enhanced collision avoidance, and SEOPS' new satellite tracking services, among other key developments.
Space Brief 7 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite launches, military implications in space funding, and notable reentry delays.
X Report 28 Apr 2025
SpaceX marks a milestone with its 250th Starlink mission, continuing to expand its broadband satellite network.
Space Brief 27 Oct 2025
Today's space highlights include the US Space Force's advanced tracking contract, a milestone in SpaceX's Starlink program, and a new initiative to remove space debris.
X Report 27 Jul 2025
SpaceX's rapid advancements continued this weekend with two consecutive Starlink missions and preparations for the upcoming Crew-11 launch, showcasing its efficiency and commitment to expanding satellite broadband coverage.
The Satellite That Taught Us What We Were Doing to the Planet
Landsat 7 launched on April 15, 1999, designed to last five years. It operated for twenty-five, survived a failure that destroyed a fifth of every image it took, and became part of the longest continuous record of Earth's surface ever assembled. Then they made the data free.
Space Brief 4 Sep 2025
Today's briefing covers a surprise launch by Israel, a milestone missile contract for Lockheed Martin, and updates on Indian missile defense strategies.