Space Brief 24 Oct 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX Crew-8's return, Intelsat-33e satellite breakup, SpaceX's upcoming Starship tests, and notable launches including China's new mega-constellation.
STARLINK-31984 (60018)
COSPAR: 2024-111C | Alt Name: Starlink 31984
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 8, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60018
International Designator
2024-111C
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:31:31 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
180.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.46°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 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-31984
Alternative Name
Starlink 31984
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60018U 24111C 26201.23022316 .00000037 00000+0 13392-4 0 9995
2 60018 53.1593 180.1588 0001226 83.4578 276.6563 15.30198200119173
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31984 satellite, also known as Starlink 31984, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on June 8, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a configuration of Starlink v2 Mini and belongs to the Bus type Starlink V2M. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and its solar arrays span up to 29 meters when deployed. With a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms, it is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload for communication and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries to generate power. It was designed for the purpose of enhancing global internet connectivity as part of SpaceX's Starlink constellation project.
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 10-1-03
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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