Space Brief 14 Dec 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers significant developments such as SpaceX’s latest Starlink launch, the US Space Force testing modular satellite technology, and key long-range missile tests by the Pentagon.
STARLINK-31981 (60035)
COSPAR: 2024-111V | Alt Name: Starlink 31981
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 8, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60035
International Designator
2024-111V
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:04:15 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
184.08°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
85.55°
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-31981
Alternative Name
Starlink 31981
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60035U 24111V 26200.37796216 .00000147 00000+0 17100-4 0 9998
2 60035 53.1591 184.0801 0001211 85.5503 274.5636 15.30197473119120
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31981 is a Starlink V2M satellite, part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on June 8, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch, reducing to a dry mass of 700 kilograms post-launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, its primary mission is communication. The satellite was successfully stabilized in orbit on the same day as launch, at 0248:41 UTC.
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 10-1-20
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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