Space Brief 2 Jul 2025
Explore today's major events in space, including military advancements in satellite tracking, new missile defenses, and significant defense funding decisions.
STARLINK-31780 (59432)
COSPAR: 2024-065M | Alt Name: Starlink 31780
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59432
International Designator
2024-065M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:42:07 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
26.02°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
101.49°
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-31780
Alternative Name
Starlink 31780
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59432U 24065M 26200.90425677 .00000298 00000+0 19964-4 0 9991
2 59432 53.1612 26.0190 0001284 101.4884 258.6263 15.34394754129191
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31780 satellite, designated 2024-065M under NORAD, is a part of SpaceX's Starlink v2 Mini constellation. Launched on April 7, 2024, from Vandenberg Space Force Base SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a solar panel span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The dry mass is 700 kilograms while the launch mass was 730 kilograms. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering, it operates under SpaceX's ownership as part of the Starlink Group 8-1-12 mission, aiming to provide communication services.
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 8-1-12
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
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