Space Brief 14 May 2025
Today's edition covers China's latest launches in their classified satellite programs, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate on missile defense, and the ever-escalating space debris crisis threatening national security.
STARLINK-31775 (60052)
COSPAR: 2024-112Q | Alt Name: Starlink 31775
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60052
International Designator
2024-112Q
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:10:45 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
182.67°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
342.81°
Period
94.09 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-31775
Alternative Name
Starlink 31775
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60052U 24112Q 26201.21580720 .00033771 00000+0 11377-2 0 9990
2 60052 53.1598 182.6653 0001694 342.8123 17.2820 15.30466848118881
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31775 satellite, also known as Starlink 31775, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 8-8-15 payload. Launched on June 8, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering in orbit. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration, operating under the ownership of SPXS for communication missions.
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 8-8-15
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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