Space Brief 14 Sep 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's 300th Starlink launch, NASA re-establishing contact with a TRACERS satellite, and budget concerns impacting the commercial remote sensing industry.
STARLINK-31575 (59471)
COSPAR: 2024-068S | Alt Name: Starlink 31575
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 10, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59471
International Designator
2024-068S
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:57:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
2.86°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.95°
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-31575
Alternative Name
Starlink 31575
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59471U 24068S 26201.16464196 .00000420 00000+0 24798-4 0 9993
2 59471 43.0058 2.8587 0001109 270.9482 89.1243 15.27577639128821
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31575, also known as Starlink 31575, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on April 10, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload equipped with an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. STARLINK-31575 utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms, weighing 730 kilograms at launch. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 6-48-17 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 6-48-17
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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