Space Brief 26 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers major developments including the introduction of BAHA drones, increased defense spending by Estonia, and consequential announcements on military budgets impacting space-related activities.
STARLINK-31414 (59418)
COSPAR: 2024-064W | Alt Name: Starlink 31414
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 5, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59418
International Designator
2024-064W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:50:36 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
30.00°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
273.48°
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-31414
Alternative Name
Starlink 31414
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59418U 24064W 26200.82680764 -.00000041 00000+0 80370-5 0 9992
2 59418 43.0022 30.0008 0001166 273.4752 86.5966 15.27576535129430
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31414 satellite, also known as Starlink 31414, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink Group 6-47-21 and part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series. Launched on April 5, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. It weighs 730 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system consists of Argon ion thrusters to maintain its orbit, and it is owned and operated 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 6-47-21
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.
Space Brief 9 Jun 2025
Key space events for today include potential changes in US space policy involving SpaceX, uncertainties regarding NASA's Starliner, and China's new steps in asteroid exploration.
X Report 29 Jun 2025
SpaceX secures a significant military contract while successfully launching multiple batches of Starlink satellites. Furthermore, milestones aboard the ISS highlight ongoing space missions.
The Morning a Supply Ship Tore Open Mir
On 25 June 1997, a seven-ton cargo ship under hand control drifted into Mir's Spektr module, breached the hull, and left three crew members listening to their air hiss into space. It remains the worst collision in the history of human spaceflight.
X Report 22 Feb 2025
SpaceX secures NASA contract for NEO Surveyor launch and prepares for upcoming Starship test flight.
X Report 22 Dec 2025
SpaceX celebrates a year of industry milestones, including the successful deployment of Starlink satellites and innovative advancements in rocket technology.
25 Starlinks Lofted from Vandenberg in Latest West Coast Push | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg SFB on March 8, growing a constellation now totaling 9,924 active orbital nodes.
The $1.5 Million Starlink Jammer That Ukraine Keeps Blowing Up
Russia's Volna Kupol Garant electronic warfare system was purpose-built to jam Starlink. It costs around $1.5 million per unit, covers just 20 square kilometers, and can only target one satellite at a time. Ukraine has been finding and destroying them within days of deployment.