Space Brief 18 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include a Minotaur IV launch of U.S. spy satellites, Rocket Lab's new defense contracts, and the unveiling of Space Force's warfighting framework. Plus, the Satellite Spotlight dives into METEOR 3-1.
STARLINK-31935 (59876)
COSPAR: 2024-098U | Alt Name: Starlink 31935
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59876
International Designator
2024-098U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:04:21 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
251.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.18°
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-31935
Alternative Name
Starlink 31935
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59876U 24098U 26200.83636494 .00000077 00000+0 12335-4 0 9992
2 59876 43.0009 251.9260 0001291 278.1799 81.8906 15.27574553122050
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31935 satellite, also known as Starlink 31935, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink V2M series. Launched on May 24, 2024, from LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this spacecraft has a length of 0.3 meters and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite weighs 730 kg at launch and 700 kg when dry, utilizing Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 6-63-19 constellation.
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 6-63-19
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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