China's 75 Unusual GEO Maneuvers Flagged by CSIS | KeepTrack Space Brief
CSIS analysis identifies 75 unusual orbital maneuvers by Chinese GEO satellites over 10 years, consistent with military reconnaissance. Track GEO objects via KeepTrack.
STARLINK-31784 (59618)
COSPAR: 2024-080T | Alt Name: Starlink 31784
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 28, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59618
International Designator
2024-080T
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:37:32 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
13.37°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.24°
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-31784
Alternative Name
Starlink 31784
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59618U 24080T 26201.19274053 -.00000507 00000+0 -89116-5 0 9998
2 59618 43.0058 13.3729 0001585 269.2391 90.8279 15.27566798124757
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31784 satellite, also known as Starlink 31784, is a communication satellite launched on April 28, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a box plus pan shape with dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, featuring a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry and 730 kilograms at launch. It is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays and batteries for power, and carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link as part of the Starlink Group 6-54-18 mission. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), this satellite operates in a communication capacity and was launched under the ownership of 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 6-54-18
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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