Space Brief 25 Nov 2024
Today's brief highlights the need for better space debris management, multiple SpaceX Starlink launches, and NASA's upcoming lunar cargo delivery plans.
STARLINK-31802 (59636)
COSPAR: 2024-082F | Alt Name: Starlink 31802
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 3, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC101
Launch Vehicle
Chang Zheng 5
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59636
International Designator
2024-082F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:11:38 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
113.97°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
265.84°
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-31802
Alternative Name
Starlink 31802
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59636U 24082F 26200.79974807 .00001561 00000+0 66278-4 0 9991
2 59636 43.0038 113.9657 0001032 265.8391 94.2342 15.27562377125019
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31802 satellite, also known as Starlink 31802, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and part of the Starlink Group 6-55-06. It was launched on May 3, 2024, from AFETR's LC101 launch pad using the Chang Zheng 5 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. Equipped with an Argon ion thruster motor, it weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a pan configuration.
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 6-55-06
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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