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STARLINK-31617 (59455)
COSPAR: 2024-068A | Alt Name: Starlink 31617
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 10, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59455
International Designator
2024-068A
Decay Date
5/2/2025
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31617
Alternative Name
Starlink 31617
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The STARLINK-31617 satellite, also known as Starlink 31617, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on April 10, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms when dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. It operates using Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite was manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity under the Starlink Group 6-48-01 mission. Its primary purpose is communication.
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 6-48-01
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
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