Space Brief 4 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers the expansion of the U.S. missile defense shield, a new contract for Viasat from the U.S. Space Force, and the Missile Defense Agency's call for innovative Iron Dome concepts.
STARLINK-31540 (59542)
COSPAR: 2024-074J | Alt Name: Starlink 31540
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 18, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59542
International Designator
2024-074J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:59:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
317.51°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.39°
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-31540
Alternative Name
Starlink 31540
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59542U 24074J 26200.74993404 .00000911 00000+0 42609-4 0 9997
2 59542 43.0018 317.5088 0001151 267.3949 92.6771 15.27580623126216
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31540 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-52-09 payload launched by SpaceX on April 18, 2024. Launched from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload with an optical inter-satellite link and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The spacecraft is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Weighing 730 kilograms at launch, its dry mass is 700 kilograms.
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 6-52-09
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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