Space Brief 17 Sep 2024
Today's Space Brief covers crucial satellite events including upcoming launches, military space developments, and exceptional celestial sightings.
STARLINK-31317 (58931)
COSPAR: 2024-027A | Alt Name: Starlink 31317
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58931
International Designator
2024-027A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:14:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
54.03°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
94.62°
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-31317
Alternative Name
Starlink 31317
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58931U 24027A 26200.92651282 -.00000755 00000+0 -11206-4 0 9998
2 58931 53.1613 54.0311 0001330 94.6222 265.4933 15.34391728137436
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31317 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink V2M series and configured in the Starlink v2 Mini model launched on February 10, 2024, from AFWTR's SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link. Its equipment includes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays, and batteries for power. The spacecraft is owned by SPXS and its purpose is communication as part of the Starlink Group 7-13-01 mission.
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 7-13-01
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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