Space Brief 16 Jan 2025
Explore today's pivotal news in space with highlights on record government space budgets, military satellite developments, and significant industry shifts.
STARLINK-31721 (59536)
COSPAR: 2024-074C | Alt Name: Starlink 31721
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 18, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59536
International Designator
2024-074C
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:10:59 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
316.01°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
276.64°
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-31721
Alternative Name
Starlink 31721
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59536U 24074C 26201.00762946 .00000702 00000+0 35018-4 0 9999
2 59536 43.0027 316.0058 0000770 276.6436 83.4328 15.27577492126250
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31721 or Starlink 31721, was launched on April 18, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries, and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The Starlink V2M is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration designed for communication purposes and was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX).
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 6-52-03
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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