Space Brief 1 Jul 2025
Key developments in the space sector include new partnerships for satellite surveillance, strategic shifts from the Defense Department impacting weather forecasting, and the Space Force's focus on agile satellite technologies.
STARLINK-31997 (60288)
COSPAR: 2024-132L | Alt Name: Starlink 31997
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 28, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60288
International Designator
2024-132L
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:28:16 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
156.28°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
88.14°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31997
Alternative Name
Starlink 31997
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60288U 24132L 26201.26963270 .00000371 00000+0 24654-4 0 9997
2 60288 53.1607 156.2762 0001303 88.1387 271.9763 15.30196251111864
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31997 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on July 28, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, span of 29 meters, and dry mass of 700 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It operates using solar arrays and batteries for power and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration.
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 10-4-11
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Artemis 2 Crew Returns After 50-Year Lunar Milestone | KeepTrack Space Brief
Artemis 2 splashdown marks first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. Four astronauts completed historic mission, validating systems for Artemis 3 landing attempt.
X Report 7 Sep 2025
SpaceX launches 24 Starlink satellites, pushing its 2025 total beyond 2,000, while facing community pushback in Florida for its Starship operations.
Space Brief 17 Aug 2025
Today's space news features major US Space Force satellite launches, regulatory changes supporting private space initiatives, and updates on SpaceX's Starship advances.
X Report 16 Jun 2025
SpaceX progresses with plans for Starship launches from a ULA site while continuing its Starlink expansion. New satellite tracking update enhances user engagement.
Demystifying the USSPACECOM Two-Line Element Set Format
Discover the history and significance of Two-Line Element Sets (TLEs) in satellite tracking. Dive into their components, applications, and how they are evolving to meet future space challenges.
Space Force Awards $437M for Military Satcom; New Glenn Clears Return | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force contracts Viasat and SES for $437M Protected Tactical Satcom-Global program. Blue Origin clears New Glenn for flights after Flight 3 investigation.
X Report 19 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched another batch of Starlink satellites in a night mission, marking a significant return to evening launches post-regulations.