Space Brief 8 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers key developments in satellite launches, missile defense strategies, advanced IoT satellite connectivity, and the projected growth of the satellite market driven by defense needs.
STARLINK-31704 (59586)
COSPAR: 2024-076Y | Alt Name: Starlink 31704
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59586
International Designator
2024-076Y
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:14:22 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
42.99°
Right Ascension
277.76°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
26.63°
Period
92.46 min
Mean Motion
15.57 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-31704
Alternative Name
Starlink 31704
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59586U 24076Y 26201.25997917 .00118253 00000+0 15303-2 0 9995
2 59586 42.9868 277.7612 0024460 26.6333 333.5781 15.57436151127483
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31704 satellite, also known as Alt Name: Starlink 31704, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. It was launched on April 23, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg while its launch mass was 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan design.
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 6-53-23
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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