Space Brief 9 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include Rocket Lab's successful 2025 kick-off launch, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink deployment, and a significant military satellite contract competition.
STARLINK-31939 (60026)
COSPAR: 2024-111L | Alt Name: Starlink 31939
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 8, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60026
International Designator
2024-111L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:12:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
182.38°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
87.48°
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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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31939
Alternative Name
Starlink 31939
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60026U 24111L 26200.67500632 .00001514 00000+0 63256-4 0 9998
2 60026 53.1596 182.3814 0001145 87.4790 272.6342 15.30189942119243
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31939 is a communication satellite launched on June 8, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It features a Starlink v2 Mini configuration, weighing 700 kilograms dry mass and 730 kilograms at launch. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its power source includes solar arrays and batteries. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite operates under the Starlink Group 10-1-11 mission and belongs to the owner SPXS for communication purposes.
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 10-1-11
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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