Space Brief 20 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights Globalstar's new military focus, technological innovations in the Army's tactical systems, and a deeper look at key military satellite communications developments.
STARLINK-31464 (59318)
COSPAR: 2024-056Y | Alt Name: Starlink 31464
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59318
International Designator
2024-056Y
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:36:46 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
201.76°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.81°
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-31464
Alternative Name
Starlink 31464
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59318U 24056Y 26201.27553691 .00001422 00000+0 61189-4 0 9999
2 59318 43.0008 201.7561 0001447 268.8113 91.2573 15.27589225131435
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31464 or Starlink 31464, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on March 24, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a configuration known as Starlink v2 Mini. It measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters when deployed. The dry mass is 700 kilograms while the launch mass was 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it also features Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power.
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 6-42-23
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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