Space Brief 3 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers SpaceX's continued Starlink expansions, Japan's successful Michibiki satellite launch, and challenges faced by India's navigation satellite. Stay updated on crucial satellite events and launches.
STARLINK-31417 (59216)
COSPAR: 2024-046R | Alt Name: Starlink 31417
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59216
International Designator
2024-046R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:35:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
263.46°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
82.75°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 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-31417
Alternative Name
Starlink 31417
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59216U 24046R 26200.48310730 .00001582 00000+0 65542-4 0 9996
2 59216 53.1593 263.4617 0000806 82.7532 277.3560 15.30193655133095
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31417 satellite, also known as Starlink 31417, is a communication spacecraft under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 11, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with an operational span of 29 meters. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it is part of the Starlink Group 7-17-16 mission. The spacecraft has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and features a box plus pan shape design.
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 7-17-16
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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