Space Brief 24 May 2025
Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.
STARLINK-31878 (60031)
COSPAR: 2024-111R | Alt Name: Starlink 31878
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 8, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60031
International Designator
2024-111R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:31:35 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
128.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
80.66°
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-31878
Alternative Name
Starlink 31878
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60031U 24111R 26200.81360316 -.00000379 00000+0 -75307-7 0 9996
2 60031 53.1599 128.4555 0001252 80.6600 279.4544 15.34387464119768
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31878 is a Starlink V2M satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on June 8, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite is stabilized by Argon ion thrusters and its mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 10-1-16 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 10-1-16
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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