Space Brief 2 Sep 2025
Today's brief covers key topics such as SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, the European Space Agency's new initiatives, and Space Force's integration of AI into its operations.
STARLINK-31936 (59875)
COSPAR: 2024-098T | Alt Name: Starlink 31936
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59875
International Designator
2024-098T
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:50:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
218.02°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
317.86°
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-31936
Alternative Name
Starlink 31936
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59875U 24098T 26201.07639910 .00002680 00000+0 10690-3 0 9997
2 59875 42.9975 218.0163 0000082 317.8554 42.2291 15.27562463122451
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31936 satellite, also known as Starlink 31936, is a communication satellite designed and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on May 24, 2024, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite features dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with an operational span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links for communication purposes. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters to maintain its orbital position.
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 6-63-18
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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