Space Brief 15 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include recent missile deals impacting military satellite launches, a Navy salvage operation in the South China Sea, and defense updates from the Manama Dialogue 2025.
STARLINK-31701 (59582)
COSPAR: 2024-076U | Alt Name: Starlink 31701
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59582
International Designator
2024-076U
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:32:23 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
341.21°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.15°
Period
94.26 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-31701
Alternative Name
Starlink 31701
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59582U 24076U 26201.10582694 .00049236 00000+0 17801-2 0 9996
2 59582 43.0040 341.2115 0001253 271.1512 88.9196 15.27703629126663
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31701 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite launched on April 23, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms, and its launch mass was 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's mission is communication and is owned by SPXS (SpaceX).
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 6-53-19
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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