Space Brief 28 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include Space Force's budget shifts, China's new commercial lunar collaboration, and SpaceX's latest Starlink launch.
STARLINK-31635 (59511)
COSPAR: 2024-073A | Alt Name: Starlink 31635
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 17, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59511
International Designator
2024-073A
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:02:36 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
289.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.63°
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-31635
Alternative Name
Starlink 31635
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59511U 24073A 26201.25180644 .00000346 00000+0 22112-4 0 9992
2 59511 43.0023 289.0117 0001535 269.6328 90.4347 15.27579685126453
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31635 or Starlink 31635, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on April 17, 2024, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans approximately 29 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and launched with a total mass of 730 kilograms, featuring solar arrays for power generation along with batteries. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is propelled by Argon ion thrusters. The mission aims to provide communication services as part of SpaceX's Starlink Group 6-51-01 constellation.
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 6-51-01
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
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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