Space Brief 17 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include key advancements for the Dream Chaser, SpaceX's record launches, Moon mission crowding concerns, and updates in European space policy.
STARLINK-31432 (59932)
COSPAR: 2024-106L | Alt Name: Starlink 31432
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 1, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59932
International Designator
2024-106L
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:23:11 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
303.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
308.88°
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-31432
Alternative Name
Starlink 31432
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59932U 24106L 26201.30776774 -.00027168 00000+0 -98207-3 0 9997
2 59932 42.9994 303.6832 0001768 308.8798 51.1896 15.27555649120795
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31432 satellite, also known as Starlink 31432, is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on June 1, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It belongs to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while its motor system consists of Argon ion thrusters.
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 6-64-11
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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