Space Brief 1 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers the future of military space operations, ESA's potential defense role, significant developments in satellite communications, and SpaceX's response to Artemis 3 comments.
STARLINK-31973 (59943)
COSPAR: 2024-106X | Alt Name: Starlink 31973
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 1, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59943
International Designator
2024-106X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:00:06 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
309.27°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.04°
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-31973
Alternative Name
Starlink 31973
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59943U 24106X 26200.33340384 -.00000576 00000+0 -11379-4 0 9995
2 59943 43.0062 309.2746 0002067 266.0351 94.0264 15.27580394120659
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31973, also known as Starlink 31973, is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration launched on June 1, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms, equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its power system includes solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor for orbital maneuvers. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 6-64-22 mission and was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX).
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 6-64-22
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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