Space Brief 24 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
STARLINK-31459 (59233)
COSPAR: 2024-049C | Alt Name: Starlink 31459
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 16, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59233
International Designator
2024-049C
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:40:29 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
117.34°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
260.66°
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-31459
Alternative Name
Starlink 31459
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59233U 24049C 26200.81978323 -.00001149 00000+0 -32257-4 0 9991
2 59233 43.0024 117.3385 0000545 260.6626 99.4164 15.27580524132601
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31459 or Starlink 31459, is a communication satellite launched on March 16, 2024, from the Kennedy Space Center's LC39A pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This US-based satellite measures approximately 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kg at launch, reducing to a dry mass of 700 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. It was manufactured by SPXS and operates within the Starlink Group 6-44-03 constellation for providing 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 6-44-03
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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