X Report 26 Jul 2025
This week's SpaceX developments include notable upcoming missions, with a Starlink launch on the horizon and Crew Dragon's readiness for the next astronaut mission.
STARLINK-31461 (59370)
COSPAR: 2024-060Y | Alt Name: Starlink 31461
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 31, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59370
International Designator
2024-060Y
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:12:20 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
221.05°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.30°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31461
Alternative Name
Starlink 31461
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59370U 24060Y 26201.13357076 .00000277 00000+0 19583-4 0 9994
2 59370 42.9998 221.0452 0001411 270.2961 89.7729 15.27575392130380
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31461, also known as Starlink 31461, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 31, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box-shaped body with a pan configuration. It serves the mission of enhancing global communication capabilities.
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 6-45-23
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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