Space Brief 24 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
STARLINK-31017 (58515)
COSPAR: 2023-191H | Alt Name: Starlink 31017
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 7, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58515
International Designator
2023-191H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:37:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
205.44°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
280.81°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-31017
Alternative Name
Starlink 31017
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58515U 23191H 26200.73459882 .00000468 00000+0 26538-4 0 9991
2 58515 43.0030 205.4432 0001365 280.8125 79.2573 15.27575906148370
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-31017 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-191H) is a Starlink v2 Mini variant manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on December 7, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Launch Complex 40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms and it had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite’s primary purpose is communication as part of the Starlink Group 6-33-08 constellation mission.
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 6-33-08
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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