Space Brief 21 May 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant events including a high-stakes missile defense program, recent Chinese satellite launches, military defense initiatives, and key profiles in defense leadership.
STARLINK-31827 (59727)
COSPAR: 2024-088V | Alt Name: Starlink 31827
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59727
International Designator
2024-088V
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:38:55 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
245.60°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
85.71°
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-31827
Alternative Name
Starlink 31827
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59727U 24088V 26200.86036446 .00001825 00000+0 70552-4 0 9997
2 59727 53.1595 245.5964 0000824 85.7086 274.4010 15.31700523124049
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31827 satellite, also known as Starlink 31827, is a communication satellite launched on May 10, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It belongs to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and features a Box + pan shape with dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and has a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg. It is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Its payload includes a Ku/Ka/E-band communication system and an optical inter-satellite link, designed for the Starlink Group 8-2-20 mission. The satellite was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and is owned by SpaceX as well.
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 8-2-20
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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