Space Brief 9 Dec 2025
Today's edition covers significant military space developments, including DIU tech consolidation discussions, NDAA budget expansions, and new military commands.
STARLINK-31961 (59894)
COSPAR: 2024-100K | Alt Name: Starlink 31961
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 28, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59894
International Designator
2024-100K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:50:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
92.64°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.07°
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-31961
Alternative Name
Starlink 31961
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59894U 24100K 26200.74351749 .00000371 00000+0 23003-4 0 9994
2 59894 43.0028 92.6354 0000792 267.0719 93.0042 15.27574398121433
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31961 satellite, also known as Starlink 31961, is a communication satellite designed by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on May 28, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This satellite has the following specifications: length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The dry mass is 700 kg, and it was launched at a mass of 730 kg. Its power source includes solar arrays and batteries, while its propulsion system uses Argon ion thrusters to maintain its orbit. The satellite's shape can be described as box-shaped with a panel configuration. It forms part of the Starlink Group 6-60-10 constellation designed for global communication services.
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 6-60-10
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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