Space Brief 24 Nov 2025
Today's highlights include a record number of launches from Florida's Space Coast, Germany's new military space strategy, SpaceX's Starlink deployment, and more.
STARLINK-31444 (59236)
COSPAR: 2024-049F | Alt Name: Starlink 31444
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 16, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59236
International Designator
2024-049F
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:02:58 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
38.03°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
275.98°
Period
93.50 min
Mean Motion
15.40 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-31444
Alternative Name
Starlink 31444
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59236U 24049F 26201.25206654 .00013994 00000+0 34768-3 0 9991
2 59236 43.0042 38.0278 0009731 275.9807 83.9940 15.40128836133532
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31444, also known as Starlink 31444, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on March 16, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite features a box-shaped body with solar arrays and batteries for power, argon ion thrusters for propulsion, and is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link. Its dimensions include a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite's primary purpose is communication as part of the Starlink Group 6-44-06 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 6-44-06
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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