Planet Delays Iran Imagery 14 Days Amid Regional Conflict | KeepTrack Space Brief
Planet Labs institutes 14-day delay on imagery covering Iran and Gulf States. Commercial remote sensing faces new operational security pressures as conflict escalates.
STARLINK-31501 (59359)
COSPAR: 2024-060M | Alt Name: Starlink 31501
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 31, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59359
International Designator
2024-060M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:38:05 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
236.26°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
291.76°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31501
Alternative Name
Starlink 31501
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59359U 24060M 26200.40145022 -.00000702 00000+0 -15972-4 0 9999
2 59359 42.9997 236.2616 0001196 291.7583 68.3142 15.27585248130208
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31501 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on March 31, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans up to 29 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched at a total mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it uses Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering and solar arrays coupled with batteries for power. The primary mission is communication as part of the Starlink Group 6-45-12 constellation.
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 6-45-12
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.
China's Rocket Factory Finds a Second Gear
In 2024, China launched 68 orbital missions. In 2025, the number jumped to 97. In 2026, state media and Western analysts agree the target is 140 or more. Most of that growth is being driven by two state-backed mega-constellations, a half-dozen private launch companies hitting stride, and a deliberate national pivot toward commercial space. Beijing is no longer trying to catch SpaceX. It is trying to build an industrial base that outlasts one.
Space Brief 13 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief covers the inaugural national security mission of ULA's Vulcan Centaur, the Space Force's 2026 budget insights, and shifts in military drone technology.
Starlink Satellites Dominate Earth's Orbit
SpaceX's Starlink constellation has grown at an astonishing rate, now accounting for over 20% of all trackable objects in orbit. With plans for tens of thousands more, Starlink is on the cusp of forever changing the landscape of Earth's near-space environment.
Space Brief 12 Apr 2025
Highlights include significant advances in satellite refueling experiments, a key design milestone for missile defense, and a feature on the satellite Cosmos 2246.
Largest Satellite Debris Events
Space debris poses a mounting threat to both satellites and space missions. As we send more objects into orbit, the likelihood of collisions and subsequent breakups producing dangerous space debris increases. Recognizing the major events that have generated this dangerous space junk is pivotal in ensuring the safety of future space missions.
Space Brief 1 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers the future of military space operations, ESA's potential defense role, significant developments in satellite communications, and SpaceX's response to Artemis 3 comments.
X Report 13 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched an Israeli satellite and remains on track for its upcoming Crew-11 mission while continuing to engage in mystery satellite launches.