Space Brief 22 Dec 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's record year, setbacks in Japanese space endeavors, secure communication advancements in orbit, and more updates on martian expeditions.
STARLINK-31948 (59941)
COSPAR: 2024-106V | Alt Name: Starlink 31948
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 1, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59941
International Designator
2024-106V
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:44:12 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
300.23°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
252.61°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-31948
Alternative Name
Starlink 31948
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59941U 24106V 26201.32236527 -.00002185 00000+0 -69902-4 0 9999
2 59941 43.0016 300.2318 0001032 252.6114 107.4625 15.27586353120843
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31948 satellite, also known as Starlink 31948, was launched on June 1, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration with a BUS type of Starlink V2M and manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg and launch mass was 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power generation and Argon ion thrusters as its motor. The primary purpose of the satellite is communication within SpaceX's Starlink Group 6-64-20 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 6-64-20
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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