Space Brief 22 May 2025
Today's brief covers strategic alignments in U.S. military space operations, a landmark missile defense program, and advances in secure satellite communications.
STARLINK-31724 (59554)
COSPAR: 2024-074W | Alt Name: Starlink 31724
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 18, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59554
International Designator
2024-074W
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:22:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
279.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
276.96°
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-31724
Alternative Name
Starlink 31724
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59554U 24074W 26201.22380648 .00000722 00000+0 35767-4 0 9991
2 59554 43.0020 279.0100 0001672 276.9602 83.1059 15.27574104126692
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31724 satellite, designated OBJECT_ID 2024-074W and NORAD_CAT_ID 59554, is a Starlink V2M configuration spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on April 18, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a launch mass of 730 kg and operates for communication purposes. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and features a span of 29 meters. It employs Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a dry mass of 700 kg. Its shape is described as box plus 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 6-52-21
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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