Space Brief 19 May 2025
Today's space brief covers new ultraviolet data from the Europa Clipper, challenges in managing space debris, quantum advances in satellite technology, as well as a failed Indian satellite launch and more.
STARLINK-31203 (58869)
COSPAR: 2024-019S | Alt Name: Starlink 31203
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 29, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58869
International Designator
2024-019S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 01:09:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
223.45°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
276.58°
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-31203
Alternative Name
Starlink 31203
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58869U 24019S 26200.04808351 .00000567 00000+0 30125-4 0 9993
2 58869 43.0036 223.4542 0001041 276.5837 83.4897 15.27583025139213
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31203 is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, manufactured by SpaceX and launched on January 29, 2024, from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans up to 29 meters with its solar arrays. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms and it weighs 730 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and operates on power from solar arrays and batteries. It serves as part of the Starlink Group 6-38-17 constellation to provide communication services.
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 6-38-17
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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