Space Brief 14 Mar 2025
Today’s highlights include new defense initiatives in the U.S., potential strategic shifts in Europe, and the establishment of council to counter security threats.
STARLINK-31612 (59337)
COSPAR: 2024-057T | Alt Name: Starlink 31612
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 25, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59337
International Designator
2024-057T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:31:44 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
162.10°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.14°
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-31612
Alternative Name
Starlink 31612
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59337U 24057T 26200.60537367 -.00003670 00000+0 -12406-3 0 9995
2 59337 43.0021 162.1031 0000679 270.1438 89.9336 15.27546177130018
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31612 satellite, also known as Alt Name: Starlink 31612, is a communication satellite launched on March 25, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a configuration of Starlink v2 Mini and belongs to SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms while its launch mass was 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it operates using Argon ion thrusters. The satellite's purpose is to enhance communication networks as part of the Starlink Group 6-46-18 constellation mission.
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 6-46-18
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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