Space Brief 2 Jan 2025
Today's recap covers SpaceX's role in record launch numbers, the FCC's spectrum allocation for launches, and the historical portrayal of the Ingenuity helicopter.
STARLINK-31178 (59025)
COSPAR: 2024-038C | Alt Name: Starlink 31178
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 25, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59025
International Designator
2024-038C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:39:13 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
0.99°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
266.23°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31178
Alternative Name
Starlink 31178
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59025U 24038C 26200.81890108 .00000140 00000+0 14629-4 0 9993
2 59025 43.0028 0.9944 0001246 266.2317 93.8392 15.27576079134850
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31178 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-038C), was launched on February 25, 2024, from the AFETR launch site using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. The satellite features a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg, equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. It is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and operates in the Ku/Ka/E-band frequency range, supporting an optical inter-satellite link system. The satellite was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and serves a communication mission.
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 6-39-03
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
GOES-G | The Day a Weather Satellite Exploded Over the Atlantic
Forty years ago today, a Delta 3914 lifted off Cape Canaveral with a weather satellite the country could not afford to lose. Seventy-one seconds later, its main engine cut off. Ninety-one seconds in, the range safety officer pressed his button. The third domino of a brutal 1986 had fallen.
1 Million AI Data Centers in Orbit Threaten Astronomy | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's proposed 1-million-satellite AI data center constellation alarms astronomers as Falcon 9 logs its 25th Starlink launch of 2026.
Space Brief 7 Sep 2025
Today's Space Brief covers China’s latest satellite launches, leadership changes in the U.S. Space Force, insights from hyperspectral imagery on an Iranian facility, SpaceX's Starlink mission, and more.
X Report 1 Oct 2025
SpaceX gears up for significant upcoming launches while Starlink makes an impactful difference in disaster recovery efforts. Meanwhile, ESA and Avio reveal plans for competitive advancements in reusable rocket technology.
X Report 9 May 2025
SpaceX makes strides in various sectors, from Starlink expanding services on United Airlines to new hardware aimed at enhancing home connectivity.
X Report 11 Feb 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 23 Starlink satellites, NASA selects SpaceX for astrophysics mission, and Starship Flight 8 advances with Booster 15 static fire.
X Report 24 May 2025
SpaceX experiences a setback with Starship Flight 8 while continuing its Starlink deployment efforts with a successful launch from California.