Space Brief 27 Apr 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's dual Starlink launches, NASA's progress on the Dragonfly mission to Titan, and delays in Starlink's Indian market entry.
STARLINK-31344 (59171)
COSPAR: 2024-044V | Alt Name: Starlink 31344
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59171
International Designator
2024-044V
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:06:26 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
81.70°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
289.26°
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-31344
Alternative Name
Starlink 31344
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59171U 24044V 26200.71280587 -.00001143 00000+0 -32023-4 0 9999
2 59171 43.0045 81.7033 0001873 289.2624 70.8025 15.27565667133789
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31344 satellite, also known as Starlink 31344, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on March 4, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is part of the Starlink Group 6-41-20 mission managed by SPXS in the United States. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering.
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 6-41-20
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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