Space Brief 1 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers reentries, the impact of NOAA dismissals on space weather tracking, a strategic academic partnership probing cosmic mysteries, and a newly unveiled space motto.
STARLINK-31479 (59316)
COSPAR: 2024-056W | Alt Name: Starlink 31479
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59316
International Designator
2024-056W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:14:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
212.68°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
275.99°
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-31479
Alternative Name
Starlink 31479
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59316U 24056W 26200.09310878 -.00000208 00000+0 19599-5 0 9995
2 59316 43.0033 212.6836 0001596 275.9874 84.0796 15.27566304131200
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31479 is a communication satellite launched on March 24, 2024, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters, featuring a box plus pan shape. It carries a Starlink v2 Mini configuration and is part of the Starlink Group 6-42-21 payload. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms while its launch mass was 730 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it operates under the ownership of SpaceX (SPXS) and serves communication purposes 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.
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 6-42-21
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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