Space Brief 6 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers China's latest experimental launch to GEO and new commercial satellites, insights from hyperspectral imagery on underground structures, and the Space Force's material testing for Mars missions.
STARLINK-31387 (59407)
COSPAR: 2024-064K | Alt Name: Starlink 31387
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 5, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59407
International Designator
2024-064K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:20:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
31.96°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
272.73°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-31387
Alternative Name
Starlink 31387
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59407U 24064K 26200.51401345 -.00000111 00000+0 54740-5 0 9992
2 59407 43.0047 31.9560 0001041 272.7318 87.3415 15.27578450129380
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31387 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-064K) is a Starlink v2 Mini variant launched on April 5, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite measures approximately 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. The spacecraft has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite is part of the Starlink Group 6-47-10 constellation and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 6-47-10
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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