Space Brief 12 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers China's ongoing assessments following a potential debris strike on Shenzhou-20, SpaceX's record-breaking Starlink launch, Rocket Lab's delay of the Neutron rocket, and more.
STARLINK-31513 (59529)
COSPAR: 2024-073U | Alt Name: Starlink 31513
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 17, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59529
International Designator
2024-073U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:05:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
291.77°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.56°
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-31513
Alternative Name
Starlink 31513
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59529U 24073U 26200.25364528 .00000628 00000+0 32369-4 0 9993
2 59529 43.0038 291.7744 0001479 268.5635 91.5047 15.27574850126335
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31513 satellite, also known as STARLINK-31513 and Alt Name: Starlink 31513, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on April 17, 2024, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and it weighs 730 kg at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. It was stabilized on April 17, 2024, at 22:31:23 UTC.
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 6-51-19
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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