Space Brief 1 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's latest classified satellite launch, breakups in orbital refueling experiments, exciting advancements in microsatellites, and SpaceX's remarkable strides in spaceflight.
STARLINK-31896 (59851)
COSPAR: 2024-097S | Alt Name: Starlink 31896
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59851
International Designator
2024-097S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:06:48 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
250.39°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
279.92°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31896
Alternative Name
Starlink 31896
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59851U 24097S 26200.42139500 -.00000401 00000+0 -50342-5 0 9999
2 59851 43.0009 250.3948 0001391 279.9224 80.1471 15.27571201122069
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31896, also known as Starlink 31896, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-62-17 payload. Launched on May 23, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload equipment and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans 29 meters when deployed. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while Argon ion thrusters are used for propulsion. The satellite was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and owned by the same entity, operating under the mission to enhance communication services globally.
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 6-62-17
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
SpaceX Launches 2 Starlink Batches in 48 Hours, Both Coasts | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX launched Starlink batches from Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral within 48 hours, pushing the active constellation toward 10,000 operational satellites.
Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory
Designed for a two-year mission to catch gamma-ray bursts in the act, Swift is now 21 years old, slowly falling out of the sky, and the subject of an unprecedented private rescue mission. Nobody planned for it to be this hard to let go.
Space Brief 9 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include delayed satellite launches, SpaceX's Florida Starship expansion, a historic mission by Europe's Ariane 6, and NASA's twin missions to explore the ends of the Earth and the universe.
X Report 13 May 2025
SpaceX continues to expand its Starlink network with multiple launches and gains momentum in international markets, while revisiting launch tariffs and new regulations.
X Report 24 Apr 2025
SpaceX continues its historic launch cadence, includes Starlink expansion and business strategies in focus.
SpaceX Resumes Falcon 9 Launches After Investigating Upper Stage Anomaly
SpaceX successfully returns to flight with a Starlink mission, detailing the cause of the July 11 anomaly and implementing fixes to prevent future incidents.
Space Force Races to Rebuild Workforce After Civilian Cuts | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force urgently rebuilds contracting workforce after civilian reductions. Pentagon defense strategy shifts focus to homeland defense. Tom Ainsworth named top Air Force space acquisition officer.