Space Brief 26 May 2025
Today's highlights include China's lunar collaboration with Russia, new insights from Magellan's Venus mission, and stunning 8K images of the sun.
STARLINK-31713 (59381)
COSPAR: 2024-062H | Alt Name: Starlink 31713
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59381
International Designator
2024-062H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:54:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
2.72°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
96.57°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-31713
Alternative Name
Starlink 31713
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59381U 24062H 26200.74595796 .00001328 00000+0 50438-4 0 9999
2 59381 53.1611 2.7203 0000992 96.5677 263.5438 15.34401023129847
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31713 satellite, also known as Starlink 31713, is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink Group 7-18-08 and was launched on April 2, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a configuration of Starlink v2 Mini with dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, featuring a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, and its total launch mass was 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and solar arrays for power, it uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite's primary purpose is communication.
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 7-18-08
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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