Space Brief 3 Dec 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights the U.S. Air Force's $48 million investment in testing reentry capsules, a Pentagon-backed GPS alternative, and the Space Force's quest for funding autonomy.
STARLINK-31176 (58745)
COSPAR: 2024-005T | Alt Name: Starlink 31176
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 7, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58745
International Designator
2024-005T
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:53:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
192.41°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.20°
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-31176
Alternative Name
Starlink 31176
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58745U 24005T 26201.03717455 .00000338 00000+0 21802-4 0 9993
2 58745 43.0027 192.4081 0001160 270.2030 89.8689 15.27578930140723
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31176 satellite, also known as Starlink 31176, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on January 7, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This satellite, part of the Starlink Group 6-35-18 payload, has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when fully deployed. It weighs 700 kilograms dry with a launch mass of 730 kilograms and is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply.
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 6-35-18
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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