Space Brief 31 Mar 2025
Today's brief covers significant space events, including milestone national security certifications for ULA Vulcan and Rocket Lab, SpaceX's groundbreaking polar orbit mission, and a failed launch attempt by Isar Aerospace.
STARLINK-31699 (59551)
COSPAR: 2024-074T | Alt Name: Starlink 31699
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 18, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59551
International Designator
2024-074T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:35:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
317.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.57°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-31699
Alternative Name
Starlink 31699
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59551U 24074T 26200.69097269 .00000475 00000+0 26790-4 0 9993
2 59551 43.0019 317.9259 0001244 267.5716 92.4993 15.27576996126209
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31699 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink V2M series and was launched on April 18, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans 29 meters with its solar arrays deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Its payload includes Ku/Ka/E-band communications equipment along with an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. Propulsion is provided by Argon ion thrusters, while power comes from solar arrays complemented by onboard batteries. The satellite is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) as part of the Starlink Group 6-52-18 constellation, aiming to provide global communication services.
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 6-52-18
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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