Space Brief 13 Mar 2025
Today's space brief highlights intriguing military satellite developments, new space launch strategies to counteract observation threats, and potential European defense industry advancements.
STARLINK-31413 (59353)
COSPAR: 2024-060F | Alt Name: Starlink 31413
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 31, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59353
International Designator
2024-060F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:45:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
233.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
222.77°
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-31413
Alternative Name
Starlink 31413
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59353U 24060F 26200.82320316 -.00001812 00000+0 -56385-4 0 9996
2 59353 42.9983 233.4048 0000965 222.7728 137.3049 15.27554588130276
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31413 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on March 31, 2024. It has a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The dry mass of the satellite is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg. It was launched from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 rocket. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and Argon ion thrusters as its motor. The satellite is owned by SPXS (SpaceX) and operates under the Starlink Group 6-45-06 mission. Its shape consists of a box with a pan design.
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 6-45-06
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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