Space Brief 11 Sep 2024
A recap of notable space events including the Soyuz MS-26 launch to the ISS, Polaris Dawn's altitude achievement, and satellite tracking updates.
STARLINK-31423 (59242)
COSPAR: 2024-049M | Alt Name: Starlink 31423
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 16, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59242
International Designator
2024-049M
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:59:00 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
115.63°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
270.79°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31423
Alternative Name
Starlink 31423
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59242U 24049M 26201.16598260 .00001611 00000+0 68038-4 0 9996
2 59242 43.0026 115.6315 0001327 270.7933 89.2766 15.27583542132663
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31423 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-049M) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration built by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 16, 2024, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite links, it is designed for communication purposes using Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."
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 6-44-12
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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