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STARLINK-31078 (58638)
COSPAR: 2023-203W | Alt Name: Starlink 31078
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 23, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58638
International Designator
2023-203W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:29:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
42.31°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.69°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-31078
Alternative Name
Starlink 31078
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58638U 23203W 26200.60366884 .00000390 00000+0 23694-4 0 9990
2 58638 43.0037 42.3102 0001364 270.6865 89.3830 15.27577949143734
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31078 satellite, also known as Starlink 31078, is a communication satellite built by SPXS and part of the Starlink Group 6-32-21. Launched on December 23, 2023, from AFETR LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a box plus pan shape with dimensions: length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. It operates with a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched with a total mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite is configured as Starlink v2 Mini and carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link to facilitate communication missions.
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 6-32-21
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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