Space Brief 30 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers key developments including U.S. Space Force tech accelerator, SpaceX veterans' startup funding, ULA's expected dominance in national security missions, and new satellite activity.
STARLINK-31820 (59725)
COSPAR: 2024-088T | Alt Name: Starlink 31820
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59725
International Designator
2024-088T
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:48:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
243.90°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
81.39°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-31820
Alternative Name
Starlink 31820
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59725U 24088T 26201.15861453 .00000094 00000+0 14797-4 0 9998
2 59725 53.1589 243.9046 0000910 81.3911 278.7194 15.31700679123971
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31820 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SPXS. It was launched on May 10, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power supply, it uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. Its mission is communication, and it was part of the Starlink Group 8-2-18 payload. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan".
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 8-2-18
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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