STARLINK-31043 (58591)

COSPAR: 2023-200C | Alt Name: Starlink 31043

DECAYED

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

December 19, 2023

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58591

International Designator

2023-200C

Decay Date

5/8/2025

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31043

Alternative Name

Starlink 31043

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary

The STARLINK-31043 satellite, also known as Starlink 31043, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and operated under the Starlink Group 6-34-03 payload configuration. Launched on December 19, 2023, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry and 730 kilograms at launch. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while propulsion is handled by Argon ion thrusters. Its shape resembles a box with a panel arrangement.

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

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 6-34-03

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

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