Space Brief 26 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers major developments including the introduction of BAHA drones, increased defense spending by Estonia, and consequential announcements on military budgets impacting space-related activities.
STARLINK-31857 (59843)
COSPAR: 2024-097J | Alt Name: Starlink 31857
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59843
International Designator
2024-097J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 04:47:18 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
251.30°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
272.68°
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-31857
Alternative Name
Starlink 31857
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59843U 24097J 26200.19952123 .00000505 00000+0 27872-4 0 9992
2 59843 43.0032 251.3027 0001432 272.6841 87.3847 15.27574657122037
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite designated STARLINK-31857 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-097J) is a communication satellite launched on May 23, 2024, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This Starlink v2 Mini configuration satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with an overall span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, features optical inter-satellite links, and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms while its launch mass was 730 kilograms. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it serves as part of the Starlink Group 6-62-09 mission managed by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 6-62-09
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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