Space Brief 4 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's Starship launch approval, Antares' nuclear funding, and shifts in global space defense strategies.
STARLINK-31766 (59723)
COSPAR: 2024-088R | Alt Name: Starlink 31766
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59723
International Designator
2024-088R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:42:22 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
247.99°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.99°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 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-31766
Alternative Name
Starlink 31766
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59723U 24088R 26200.44609074 .00000670 00000+0 34728-4 0 9992
2 59723 53.1579 247.9861 0000600 82.9903 277.1166 15.30191537123856
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31766 is a communication satellite launched on May 10, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and belongs to the Starlink Group 8-2-16 payload group. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters, featuring a box plus pan shape. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply, it has a launch mass of 730 kg and a dry mass of 700 kg. The satellite is manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Its mission involves communication tasks using a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link system.
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 8-2-16
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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