Space Brief 18 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant satellite launches by SpaceX, an automated collision avoidance system development, Rocket Lab's strategic acquisition, and the rise of corporate-named satellites in orbit.
STARLINK-31499 (59217)
COSPAR: 2024-046S | Alt Name: Starlink 31499
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59217
International Designator
2024-046S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:03:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
261.13°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
78.99°
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-31499
Alternative Name
Starlink 31499
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59217U 24046S 26200.33608058 .00001137 00000+0 44795-4 0 9997
2 59217 53.1562 261.1309 0001246 78.9922 281.1221 15.34387895133232
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31499 satellite, also known as Starlink 31499, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on March 11, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters with its equipment including Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry mass and was manufactured by SPXS for communication purposes. It is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation, Argon ion thrusters as motors, and has a box shape with a pan configuration.
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 7-17-17
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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