Space Brief 8 May 2025
Today we cover new appointments at NASA, calls for increased Space Force funding, and a successful test of a hypersonic vehicle. Further investigations target SpaceX, and a documentary highlights space superiority.
STARLINK-31823 (59794)
COSPAR: 2024-093N | Alt Name: Starlink 31823
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 18, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59794
International Designator
2024-093N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:34:12 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
185.97°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.18°
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-31823
Alternative Name
Starlink 31823
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59794U 24093N 26200.23209031 .00001384 00000+0 59800-4 0 9993
2 59794 43.0014 185.9681 0001491 271.1808 88.8873 15.27578772122815
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31823 satellite, also known as Starlink 31823, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the ownership of SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on May 18, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, it has a span of 29 meters and carries a payload that includes Ku/Ka/E-band equipment along with optical inter-satellite links. The satellite is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power, and uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor. Its dry mass is recorded at 700 kg while the launch mass was 730 kg.
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 6-59-13
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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