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STARLINK-31042 (58739)
COSPAR: 2024-005M | Alt Name: Starlink 31042
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 7, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58739
International Designator
2024-005M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:53:29 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
194.19°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
299.32°
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-31042
Alternative Name
Starlink 31042
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58739U 24005M 26200.70381786 .00000185 00000+0 16256-4 0 9990
2 58739 43.0041 194.1913 0001374 299.3242 60.7472 15.27582736140636
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31042 satellite, also known as Starlink 31042, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the ownership of SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 7, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with an Argon ion thruster propulsion system and a payload that includes Ku/Ka/E-band communications equipment as well as optical inter-satellite links, the satellite is designed to contribute to SpaceX's Starlink Group 6-35-12 communication constellation.
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 6-35-12
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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