Space Force Eyes Space Tugs, On-Orbit Refueling by 2030 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force commits to operational space tugs and on-orbit refueling by 2030. New capabilities will complicate conjunction analysis for GEO and MEO satellite tracking.
STARLINK-31781 (59632)
COSPAR: 2024-082B | Alt Name: Starlink 31781
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 3, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC101
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 5
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59632
International Designator
2024-082B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:32:45 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
98.59°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
267.23°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31781
Alternative Name
Starlink 31781
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59632U 24082B 26200.98107858 .00001353 00000+0 58676-4 0 9994
2 59632 43.0043 98.5881 0001482 267.2329 92.8353 15.27581435125241
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31781 satellite, designated OBJECT_ID 2024-082B, is a Starlink V2M spacecraft launched on May 3, 2024, from AFETR using the Chang Zheng 5 launch vehicle from LC101. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg. Manufactured by SPXS, it is part of the Starlink Group 6-55-02 payload and belongs to the Starlink constellation. Its shape is described as a box with panels, but specific details such as power source and purpose are not provided in the available data.
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 6-55-02
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Launches GPS Satellite Tonight, Starship V3 Targets Mid-March | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX to launch GPS III SV09 satellite for Space Force at 11:38 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral. Musk confirms Starship V3 with Raptor V3 engines targets mid-March first flight.
SpaceX S-1 Sinks Tesla 5%, Merger Talk Grows, X Report 2 Jun 2026
SpaceX IPO paperwork stokes Tesla merger predictions: the amended S-1 sank Tesla stock 5% in a day. Starlink stands at 10,492 working satellites.
X Report 29 Sep 2025
In today's update, SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg, while Italy grapples with its satellite strategy amid rising reliance on Starlink services.
The Day Space Station Crews Gained Their Window on the World
Fifteen years ago, Space Shuttle Endeavour launched on a mission that would give International Space Station astronauts their most spectacular view of Earth through the innovative Cupola observatory
Hayabusa2 Executes Risky July 5 Asteroid Flyby, Space Brief 20 Jul 2026
Japan's Hayabusa2 executed a close-range asteroid flyby on July 5 after mission planners initially rejected the approach as too dangerous. Extended mission pushes hardware past design limits.
When Will SpaceX Go Public?
As SpaceX continues to make groundbreaking advancements in the space industry, investors are eagerly anticipating the company's potential IPO. Learn about the factors influencing SpaceX's decision to go public and the estimated timeline for this highly anticipated event.
The Day Humanity Broke Its Last Tether to Earth
Forty-one years ago, astronaut Bruce McCandless II became the first human to float completely free in space, pushing the boundaries of both technology and human courage