Space Brief 2 Feb 2025
Today's highlights include new satellite launches by SpaceX, technical hiccups for an Indian navigation satellite, and insights into the future of satellite servicing.
STARLINK-31993 (59961)
COSPAR: 2024-107S | Alt Name: Starlink 31993
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 5, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59961
International Designator
2024-107S
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:27:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
169.03°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.83°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-31993
Alternative Name
Starlink 31993
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59961U 24107S 26201.14380854 .00000242 00000+0 18305-4 0 9996
2 59961 53.1596 169.0287 0001263 92.8282 267.2865 15.34391133120032
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31993 satellite, also known as Starlink 31993, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 8-5-17 payload. It was launched on June 5, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms while its launch mass was 730 kilograms. It features a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite employs Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus pan shape. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), it is owned and operated under the same entity to facilitate its primary mission of providing 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 8-5-17
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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