Space Brief 25 Aug 2024
Today's Space Brief covers NASA's decision on Starliner, SpaceX's preparations for the Polaris Dawn mission, and updates on various space activities. Also featured is an in-depth look at the Hubble Space Telescope.
STARLINK-31396 (59409)
COSPAR: 2024-064M | Alt Name: Starlink 31396
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 5, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59409
International Designator
2024-064M
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:55:25 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
17.29°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
274.36°
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-31396
Alternative Name
Starlink 31396
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59409U 24064M 26201.20515161 -.00003629 00000+0 -12238-3 0 9995
2 59409 43.0045 17.2891 0001188 274.3574 85.7142 15.27592521129551
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31396 satellite, also known as Starlink 31396, is a communication satellite designed by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on April 5, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This Starlink v2 Mini satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has an operational span of 29 meters. At the time of launch, its mass was 730 kilograms, including fuel; after depletion, it weighs approximately 700 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and features optical inter-satellite links for communication. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 6-47-12
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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