Space Brief 19 Mar 2025
Today's brief explores a simulated 'dogfight' in space by Chinese satellites, insights into a cloud platform by Oracle and Singapore's defense agency, and more space-related developments.
STARLINK-31643 (59388)
COSPAR: 2024-062Q | Alt Name: Starlink 31643
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59388
International Designator
2024-062Q
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:40:23 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
358.86°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
96.39°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-31643
Alternative Name
Starlink 31643
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59388U 24062Q 26201.15305112 .00002919 00000+0 97577-4 0 9995
2 59388 53.1620 358.8614 0001213 96.3915 263.7226 15.34375503129979
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31643 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite (BUS: Starlink V2M) launched on April 2, 2024, from the AFWTR launch site using SLC4E as the launch pad and Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched with a mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite's shape is described as box plus pan, and it is owned by SPXS (SpaceX) with a mission for communication purposes.
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 7-18-15
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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