Space Brief 24 Nov 2024
Today's briefing covers Blue Origin's New Glenn nearing its first launch, SpaceX's 400th Falcon 9 mission with Starlink satellites, advancements in space-based weather prediction, and more.
STARLINK-31942 (59899)
COSPAR: 2024-100Q | Alt Name: Starlink 31942
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 28, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59899
International Designator
2024-100Q
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:32:39 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
97.66°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
280.79°
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-31942
Alternative Name
Starlink 31942
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59899U 24100Q 26201.06434041 .00000470 00000+0 26593-4 0 9999
2 59899 43.0001 97.6594 0000755 280.7945 79.2821 15.27579850121396
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31942 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-100Q) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration built by SPXS and owned by the same entity for communication purposes. Launched on May 28, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. The dry mass is 700 kg with an initial launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan 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 6-60-15
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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