Space Brief 2 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.
STARLINK-31038 (58605)
COSPAR: 2023-200S | Alt Name: Starlink 31038
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 19, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58605
International Designator
2023-200S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:41:46 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
137.34°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
172.53°
Period
93.56 min
Mean Motion
15.39 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31038
Alternative Name
Starlink 31038
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58605U 23200S 26200.86234674 .00048857 00000+0 12324-2 0 9996
2 58605 42.9983 137.3363 0011479 172.5286 187.5743 15.39043131143889
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31038 satellite, also known as Starlink 31038, is a communication satellite under the Starlink Group 6-34-17 mission and was launched on December 19, 2023, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Operated by SPXS (SpaceX), this satellite has a box + pan shape with dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans up to 29 meters when deployed. It features a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation, the satellite is propelled by Argon ion thrusters and has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg.
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 6-34-17
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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