Space Brief 9 Oct 2025
Today's briefing covers key developments in defense budgets reshaping the space sector, significant Space Force contracts, and the latest news from the Chinese space station.
STARLINK-31912 (59656)
COSPAR: 2024-084C | Alt Name: Starlink 31912
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59656
International Designator
2024-084C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:39:24 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
17.46°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
287.31°
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-31912
Alternative Name
Starlink 31912
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59656U 24084C 26200.52736532 .00001295 00000+0 56557-4 0 9990
2 59656 43.0026 17.4571 0001143 287.3082 72.7645 15.27591201124531
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31912 satellite, also known as Starlink 31912, is a communication satellite built by SPXS and launched on May 6, 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. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and was launched with a total mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 6-57-03 constellation.
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 6-57-03
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC)
How a groundbreaking radar network is transforming our ability to monitor threats in deep space while strengthening international security partnerships
Four Raptors Fail, Starship 13 Scrubbed at T-0, X Report 18 Jul 2026
Four Raptor engines failed to ignite at T-0, scrubbing Starship Flight 13 on July 16; SpaceX now targets July 20 for next attempt.
Space Brief 6 Dec 2024
Today's brief covers various military applications of climate-monitoring satellites, new defense strategies against unmanned threats, and the potential impacts of geopolitical tensions on orbit.
The Day Electric Propulsion Changed Spaceflight Forever
Fifty-five years ago, a revolutionary spacecraft launched from California carrying technology that would transform how we explore the solar system
Space Brief 11 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights pivotal defense budget evaluations, Lithuania's growing defense connections, the first CubeSat for ESA's Ramses mission, and the one-year milestone of the Aries satellite in orbit.
Space Brief 2 May 2025
Today's space highlights include significant military contracts for aerospace innovations, advancements in small-satellite procurement, and discussions on the role of nuclear energy in space exploration.
SpaceX and Starlink
This article delves into SpaceX's incredible journey from its inception to becoming a space industry leader, and its Starlink project's mission to provide global internet access.