Space Brief 26 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers major developments including the introduction of BAHA drones, increased defense spending by Estonia, and consequential announcements on military budgets impacting space-related activities.
Launch Date
June 8, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
NORAD ID
60019
International Designator
2024-111D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:55:09 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
184.04°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
79.76°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Name
STARLINK-31986
Alternative Name
Starlink 31986
Type
Status
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
1 60019U 24111D 26200.37163295 -.00000122 00000+0 80099-5 0 9997
2 60019 53.1592 184.0422 0001248 79.7566 280.3575 15.30197375119203
Source: Celestrak
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
Payload
Starlink Group 10-1-04
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
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