Space Brief 21 May 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant events including a high-stakes missile defense program, recent Chinese satellite launches, military defense initiatives, and key profiles in defense leadership.
STARLINK-31696 (59435)
COSPAR: 2024-065Q | Alt Name: Starlink 31696
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59435
International Designator
2024-065Q
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:52:19 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
24.59°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
77.19°
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-31696
Alternative Name
Starlink 31696
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59435U 24065Q 26201.24467001 .00001039 00000+0 41902-4 0 9990
2 59435 53.1629 24.5912 0001654 77.1855 282.9332 15.34395152129241
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-31696 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-065Q) is a Starlink V2M spacecraft configured as part of the Starlink v2 Mini series, owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on April 7, 2024, from SLC4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when fully deployed. It features a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering. The spacecraft has a box plus pan shape and is part of the Starlink Group 8-1-15 mission constellation.
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 8-1-15
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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