Space Brief 19 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's potential government contract, the future of US Space Command headquarters, an auction record for Neil Armstrong's watch, and the volcanic history of Mars.
STARLINK-31694 (60140)
COSPAR: 2024-120F | Alt Name: Starlink 31694
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 27, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60140
International Designator
2024-120F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:37:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
64.92°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
123.38°
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-31694
Alternative Name
Starlink 31694
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60140U 24120F 26200.81737505 .00000522 00000+0 26554-4 0 9990
2 60140 53.1601 64.9213 0001075 123.3809 236.7296 15.34417471116700
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-31694 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-120F) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration launched on June 27, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SPXS for communication purposes, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and its launch mass was 730 kg. It uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 10-3-06
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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