Space Brief 7 Jun 2025
Today's brief covers the latest in satellite launches, military implications in space funding, and notable reentry delays.
STARLINK-31425 (59253)
COSPAR: 2024-049Y | Alt Name: Starlink 31425
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 16, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59253
International Designator
2024-049Y
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:10:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
115.39°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
255.81°
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-31425
Alternative Name
Starlink 31425
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59253U 24049Y 26201.13257715 -.00000038 00000+0 81395-5 0 9997
2 59253 43.0013 115.3852 0000429 255.8150 104.2654 15.27576570132657
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31425, also known as Starlink 31425, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-44-23 payload. Launched on March 16, 2024, from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle by SPXS (SpaceX), it has a dry mass of 700 kg and measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries, featuring Argon ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 6-44-23
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
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