Space Brief 3 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief delves into military satellite advancements and significant contract awards for space platforms, alongside pivotal European missile warning systems.
STARLINK-31485 (59308)
COSPAR: 2024-056N | Alt Name: Starlink 31485
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59308
International Designator
2024-056N
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:24:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
202.00°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
275.26°
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-31485
Alternative Name
Starlink 31485
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59308U 24056N 26201.30893950 .00000113 00000+0 13641-4 0 9993
2 59308 43.0014 202.0050 0001100 275.2601 84.8125 15.27576510131432
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31485, also known as Starlink 31485, is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-42-13 payload. It was launched on March 24, 2024, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), this satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Its dimensions are notable with a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The spacecraft is powered by solar arrays and batteries and equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. For propulsion, it uses Argon ion thrusters to maintain its orbit.
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 6-42-13
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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