Space Brief 15 Jun 2025
Today’s highlights focus on the launch preparations for the Dragoon Mission, China’s seismo-electromagnetic satellite launch, NASA budget cut impacts, and a major expansion by American Pacific Corporation.
STARLINK-31979 (59964)
COSPAR: 2024-107V | Alt Name: Starlink 31979
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 5, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59964
International Designator
2024-107V
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:17:59 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
168.99°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
90.10°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-31979
Alternative Name
Starlink 31979
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59964U 24107V 26201.13749556 .00001545 00000+0 56880-4 0 9993
2 59964 53.1609 168.9870 0001052 90.0980 270.0143 15.34387820120047
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31979 satellite, also known as Starlink 31979, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on June 5, 2024, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms and is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply and is stabilized by Argon ion thrusters. Manufactured by SPXS, STARLINK-31979 forms part of the Starlink Group 8-5-20 constellation and has a box plus pan shape.
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 8-5-20
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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