Space Brief 11 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights key developments in space technology, military space activities, and satellite refueling initiatives. Discover the latest on GEO satellite refueling, Blue Origin's New Glenn, and more.
STARLINK-31334 (59157)
COSPAR: 2024-044F | Alt Name: Starlink 31334
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59157
International Designator
2024-044F
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:39:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
83.21°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
275.47°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-31334
Alternative Name
Starlink 31334
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59157U 24044F 26201.02768581 .00000751 00000+0 36805-4 0 9997
2 59157 42.9979 83.2063 0000908 275.4682 84.6066 15.27574547133769
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31334 satellite, also known as Starlink 31334, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-41-06 payload. Launched on March 4, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and was manufactured by SPXS. Its equipment includes a Ku/Ka/E-band payload with an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite's dimensions are 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and it spans 29 meters. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The spacecraft has a box plus pan shape and its primary mission is communication.
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 6-41-06
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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