Space Brief 22 Mar 2025
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STARLINK-31349 (59317)
COSPAR: 2024-056X | Alt Name: Starlink 31349
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59317
International Designator
2024-056X
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:31:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
203.30°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
284.58°
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-31349
Alternative Name
Starlink 31349
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59317U 24056X 26201.02169834 -.00000067 00000+0 70988-5 0 9996
2 59317 43.0041 203.2956 0001586 284.5758 75.4918 15.27575168131461
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31349 satellite, also known as Starlink 31349, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink v2 Mini configuration series. It was launched on March 24, 2024, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters due to its solar arrays or deployable structures. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch, with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters, and it was designed and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 6-42-22
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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