Space Brief 25 Nov 2024
Today's brief highlights the need for better space debris management, multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, and NASA's upcoming lunar cargo delivery plans.
STARLINK-31490 (59222)
COSPAR: 2024-046X | Alt Name: Starlink 31490
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59222
International Designator
2024-046X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:58:34 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
263.75°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
94.49°
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-31490
Alternative Name
Starlink 31490
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59222U 24046X 26200.41567812 .00000448 00000+0 27255-4 0 9990
2 59222 53.1596 263.7457 0001047 94.4926 265.6195 15.30195641133209
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated as STARLINK-31490 or Starlink 31490, was launched on March 11, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This communication satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload with an optical inter-satellite link. It is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays with batteries for power supply. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans up to 29 meters. Manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity, it forms part of the Starlink Group 7-17-22 constellation 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 7-17-22
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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