Project Vanguard
How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.
STARLINK-31553 (59363)
COSPAR: 2024-060R | Alt Name: Starlink 31553
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 31, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59363
International Designator
2024-060R
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:58:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
225.52°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
278.55°
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-31553
Alternative Name
Starlink 31553
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59363U 24060R 26201.04085910 -.00000374 00000+0 -40537-5 0 9995
2 59363 43.0008 225.5239 0001114 278.5526 81.5200 15.27576172130387
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31553 satellite, also known as Starlink 31553, is a communication spacecraft belonging to SpaceX (SPXS) and was launched on March 31, 2024. It uses the Falcon 9 launch vehicle from LC40 at AFETR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station). The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters, with a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. The satellite's power system includes solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion method. Its shape consists of a box-like structure with an antenna panel.
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 6-45-16
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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