Space Brief 30 Apr 2025
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STARLINK-31556 (59544)
COSPAR: 2024-074L | Alt Name: Starlink 31556
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 18, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59544
International Designator
2024-074L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:32:18 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
318.47°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.87°
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-31556
Alternative Name
Starlink 31556
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59544U 24074L 26200.64743094 .00000972 00000+0 44836-4 0 9997
2 59544 43.0037 318.4658 0001381 271.8664 88.2029 15.27579063126191
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31556 satellite, also known as Starlink 31556, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on April 18, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite is stabilized using Argon ion thrusters and has a box plus pan shape design.
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 6-52-11
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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