Space Brief 5 Sep 2024
Today we cover the final launch of Vega's original version, a significant milestone for SpaceX with the U.S. military, preparations for NASA's Starliner return, and more.
STARLINK-31281 (59077)
COSPAR: 2024-041D | Alt Name: Starlink 31281
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 29, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59077
International Designator
2024-041D
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:48:13 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
281.58°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
265.03°
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-31281
Alternative Name
Starlink 31281
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59077U 24041D 26201.28348788 .00000431 00000+0 25204-4 0 9992
2 59077 43.0018 281.5774 0001330 265.0313 95.0387 15.27574711134603
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31281 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite, identified by OBJECT_ID 2024-041D and NORAD_CAT_ID 59077, launched on February 29, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), the satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kg at launch with a dry mass of 700 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Propulsion is provided by Argon ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as Box + pan. It operates within the Starlink Group 6-40-04 constellation and has a mission focus on 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 6-40-04
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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