Space Brief 28 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers China's Gaofen-14 satellite launch, Europe's advancements in asteroid defense through GomSpace, and Russia's controversial Burevestnik missile test.
STARLINK-31801 (59647)
COSPAR: 2024-082S | Alt Name: Starlink 31801
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 3, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC101
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 5
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59647
International Designator
2024-082S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:33:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
114.07°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
262.88°
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-31801
Alternative Name
Starlink 31801
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59647U 24082S 26200.81516242 .00000302 00000+0 20488-4 0 9996
2 59647 43.0040 114.0737 0001075 262.8828 97.1901 15.27579013125067
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31801 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink V2M configuration under the Starlink v2 Mini series, owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 3, 2024, from LC101 at AFETR using the Chang Zheng 5 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters due to its deployment configuration. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and carries a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and Argon ion thrusters as propulsion systems. The satellite's shape is described as box + pan and its mission focuses on communication services.
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 6-55-17
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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