The 10 Most Iconic Satellites Still in Space
Let's look at the legacy of space exploration with the 10 most iconic satellites still orbiting Earth.
STARLINK-31049 (58543)
COSPAR: 2023-192N | Alt Name: Starlink 31049
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58543
International Designator
2023-192N
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:43:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
165.26°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
91.12°
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-31049
Alternative Name
Starlink 31049
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58543U 23192N 26201.11329356 .00002569 00000+0 87151-4 0 9990
2 58543 53.1591 165.2620 0001263 91.1153 268.9994 15.34394629146290
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31049 is a Starlink V2M satellite, officially designated 2023-192N, belonging to SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on December 8, 2023, from AFWTR SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg and its launch mass was 730 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. Its mission focuses on communication purposes as part of the Starlink Group 7-8-13 constellation. 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 7-8-13
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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