Space Brief 17 Dec 2023
Rocket Lab's successful Electron return to flight, China's third Shenlong mission, lessons from Virgin Orbit's failure in the UK, Hubble's 30-year post-repair anniversary, and a summary of recent global launches.
STARLINK-31426 (59249)
COSPAR: 2024-049U | Alt Name: Starlink 31426
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 16, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59249
International Designator
2024-049U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:02:40 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
117.44°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
262.44°
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-31426
Alternative Name
Starlink 31426
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59249U 24049U 26200.83519563 -.00000419 00000+0 -56914-5 0 9993
2 59249 43.0019 117.4418 0001449 262.4427 97.6260 15.27575747132601
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31426, also known as Starlink 31426, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink v2 Mini configuration series. Launched on March 16, 2024, from LC39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this spacecraft has a dry mass of 700 kg and measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities along with an optical inter-satellite link system for communication purposes. The satellite's propulsion relies on Argon ion thrusters, and it uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation.
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 6-44-19
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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