Space Brief 21 Apr 2025
Today's briefing highlights SpaceX's recent launch of spy satellites, a US Space Force contract for deep space tracking, and advancements in quantum communications in space.
STARLINK-31776 (59603)
COSPAR: 2024-080C | Alt Name: Starlink 31776
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 28, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59603
International Designator
2024-080C
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:31:59 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
13.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.98°
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-31776
Alternative Name
Starlink 31776
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59603U 24080C 26201.18887796 -.00001814 00000+0 -56441-4 0 9991
2 59603 43.0045 13.3466 0001379 266.9830 93.0863 15.27565709124753
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31776 satellite, also known as Starlink 31776, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and launched on April 28, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It belongs to the Starlink Group 6-54-03 and features a Box + pan shape with dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 730 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters.
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 6-54-03
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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