Space Brief 17 May 2025
Today's brief covers SES's satellite orchestration, SpaceX's defense role, cyber scorecards in DoD, and more.
STARLINK-31682 (59440)
COSPAR: 2024-065V | Alt Name: Starlink 31682
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59440
International Designator
2024-065V
Decay Date
10/11/2024
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31682
Alternative Name
Starlink 31682
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-31682 satellite, also known as Starlink 31682, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on April 7, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Its equipment includes a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and was manufactured by SPXS for communication purposes. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."
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 8-1-20
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 18 Nov 2024
Today's brief highlights a Starlink satellite launch, an OpTech optical sensor contract for the Space Force, and a unique STEM experiment involving space-flown seeds.
X Report 26 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches 28 Starlink satellites and discusses upcoming business strategies, while T-Mobile slashes Starlink cellular prices.
Space Brief 9 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin’s new defense launch contracts, the ISS launch of a Navy SEAL astronaut, Sierra Space’s GPS security advancements for the U.S. Space Force, and the Space Force's 'Orbital Watch' initiative.
X Report 21 Sep 2025
Key updates include a potential delay for the Starship lunar lander, successful static fire tests for Ship 38, and the latest Starlink satellite launch plans.
X Report 28 Nov 2024
SpaceX advances with Starship, gains FCC approval for new services, and predicts a future shift in spacecraft dominance.
Space Brief 5 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers the new Space Force operations doctrine, international defense collaborations by the UAE, and satellite tracking technology innovations.
X Report 3 Mar 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8, with a launch set for Monday as final preparations are underway.