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-31558 (59196)
COSPAR: 2024-045U | Alt Name: Starlink 31558
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 10, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59196
International Designator
2024-045U
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:30:07 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
64.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
272.32°
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-31558
Alternative Name
Starlink 31558
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59196U 24045U 26201.02092554 .00000667 00000+0 33771-4 0 9996
2 59196 43.0042 64.8689 0001371 272.3250 87.7444 15.27577122133414
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31558 is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SPXS. Launched on March 10, 2024, from the LC40 launch pad at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it became stable in orbit on March 11, 2024. The spacecraft has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. It features a Starlink v2 Mini configuration with dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its purpose is communication as part of the Starlink Group 6-43-19 constellation.
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 6-43-19
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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