Space Brief 3 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers the recent surge in SpaceX launches, Eutelsat's resolution of a OneWeb software issue, and various strategic previews for U.S. military branches in 2025.
STARLINK-31625 (59458)
COSPAR: 2024-068D | Alt Name: Starlink 31625
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 10, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59458
International Designator
2024-068D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:46:15 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
8.61°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
261.01°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-31625
Alternative Name
Starlink 31625
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59458U 24068D 26200.78211882 .00000032 00000+0 10668-4 0 9997
2 59458 43.0043 8.6069 0001018 261.0138 99.0598 15.27577509128725
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31625 satellite, designated 2024-068D and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the Starlink Group 6-48-04 payload. Launched on April 10, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It features solar arrays and batteries for power generation, and Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The spacecraft has dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans 29 meters with its configuration resembling a box with a pan shape.
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 6-48-04
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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