Space Brief 29 Jun 2025
Today's space brief covers SpaceX's new contract with the U.S. Space Force, multiple Starlink launches, Rocket Lab's rapid launch success, and the final mission of Japan's H-IIA rocket.
STARLINK-31610 (59473)
COSPAR: 2024-068U | Alt Name: Starlink 31610
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 10, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59473
International Designator
2024-068U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:52:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
8.09°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.26°
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-31610
Alternative Name
Starlink 31610
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59473U 24068U 26200.82823397 -.00001105 00000+0 -30632-4 0 9996
2 59473 43.0012 8.0917 0001059 266.2588 93.8143 15.27572230128730
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31610 satellite, also known as Starlink 31610, is a communication satellite part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on April 10, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a bus type of Starlink V2M. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and 730 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and Argon ion thrusters as its motor. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration and is part of the Starlink Group 6-48-19 mission.
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 6-48-19
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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