Space Brief 19 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights significant developments in space defense, innovation fund challenges, and international defense agreements impacting satellite utilities.
STARLINK-31420 (59223)
COSPAR: 2024-046Y | Alt Name: Starlink 31420
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59223
International Designator
2024-046Y
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:42:39 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
260.09°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
88.87°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31420
Alternative Name
Starlink 31420
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59223U 24046Y 26201.19629255 .00000451 00000+0 27336-4 0 9991
2 59223 53.1607 260.0864 0000979 88.8709 271.2404 15.30192976133321
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31420 satellite, also known as Starlink 31420, is a communication satellite built by SPXS and launched on March 11, 2024, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a configuration of Starlink v2 Mini with dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch and its dry mass is 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 7-17-23 constellation, featuring a box plus pan shape design.
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 7-17-23
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.
X Report 3 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for another Starlink launch from Florida, while recent Starship incident raises environmental concerns.
Space Brief 16 Oct 2024
In today's briefing: China accelerates its satellite megaconstellation. A comprehensive ESA-led optical data network is in the works, marking a key step in satellite communications. NASA's Artemis II crew visits Ohio in preparation for their lunar journey. SpaceX's record-breaking rocket launches continue. Plus, insights into nuclear rockets that could drastically shorten Mars missions.
The Day Soviet Women Reached for the Stars
Sixty-three years ago, the Soviet Union selected the world's first female cosmonaut training group, launching a new era in human spaceflight that would transform our understanding of gender equality in space exploration
SpaceX Unveils Stargaze SSA System, Explores xAI Merger Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX unveils Stargaze space situational awareness system during 13th launch of January. Reports surface of SpaceX-xAI merger talks ahead of potential IPO. Dual-coast Starlink launches from CA and FL.
Space Brief 23 Jun 2025
Significant advancements and launches in space: NASA's hypersonic sensor breakthrough, ChinaSat-9C's launch, and SpaceX's resilient Falcon 9 operations.
X Report 3 Mar 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8, with a launch set for Monday as final preparations are underway.
Space Brief 23 Apr 2025
Today's brief highlights the US Space Force's new space conflict doctrine, Ukraine's search for Starlink alternatives, and updates on regional military activities affecting space dynamics.