Space Brief 23 Nov 2024
Today's highlights include Canada's and Australia's investment in hypersonic defense, China's successful test of an inflatable space module, and Sweden's support of Ukrainian missile and drone production.
STARLINK-31741 (59550)
COSPAR: 2024-074S | Alt Name: Starlink 31741
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 18, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59550
International Designator
2024-074S
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:48:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
317.45°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
268.69°
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-31741
Alternative Name
Starlink 31741
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59550U 24074S 26200.74222918 -.00000648 00000+0 -14007-4 0 9991
2 59550 43.0020 317.4536 0001401 268.6857 91.3834 15.27578022126211
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31741 is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on April 18, 2024, from AFETR (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station) using Falcon 9 at LC40 launch pad, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its motor consists of Argon ion thrusters, and it has a box plus pan shape. The satellite was owned and operated by SpaceX as part of the Starlink Group 6-52-17 mission.
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 6-52-17
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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