Space Brief 23 Apr 2025
Today's brief highlights the US Space Force's new space conflict doctrine, Ukraine's search for Starlink alternatives, and updates on regional military activities affecting space dynamics.
STARLINK-31874 (60603)
COSPAR: 2024-150W | Alt Name: Starlink 31874
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 20, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60603
International Designator
2024-150W
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:08:27 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
50.02°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.73°
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-31874
Alternative Name
Starlink 31874
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60603U 24150W 26201.00587275 .00005924 00000+0 18632-3 0 9994
2 60603 53.1596 50.0165 0001263 88.7344 271.3803 15.34400145108335
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31874 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on August 20, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload equipped with an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The dry mass of the satellite is 700 kilograms, with a launch mass of 730 kilograms. It uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a configuration known as Starlink v2 Mini, part of the Starlink Group 10-5-21 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 10-5-21
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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