STARLINK-31168 (58798)

COSPAR: 2024-012M | Alt Name: Starlink 31168

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 15, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58798

International Designator

2024-012M

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:03:18 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

136.81°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

268.16°

Period

94.27 min

Mean Motion

15.28 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot

3D Visualization

Explore in the Catalog

Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31168

Alternative Name

Starlink 31168

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 58798U 24012M   26201.21063419  .00002024  00000+0  83029-4 0  9996

2 58798  43.0033 136.8087 0001084 268.1618  91.9110 15.27583025141500

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-31168 satellite, also known as Starlink 31168, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on January 15, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and it has an initial launch mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities along with optical inter-satellite links for communication. The satellite's propulsion system consists of Argon ion thrusters, and its power generation relies on solar arrays complemented by batteries.

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

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 6-37-12

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

This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.

Latitude

Longitude

Next Pass

Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)

Start Azimuth

Max Elevation

Stop Azimuth

Time Until

Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

SpaceX Launches Twilight Rideshare With 40 Payloads Including NASA Pandora | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX launches Twilight rideshare from Vandenberg carrying ~40 payloads including NASA's Pandora satellite. Kepler debuts 10 optical data relay satellites. OroraTech thermal sensors integrated.

SpaceX Lands $2.29B Space Force Contract, X Report 27 May 2026

SpaceX wins a $2.29 billion US Space Force contract for a military space data network, NASA adds 6 crew missions, and Starship V3 makes its first flight.

X Report 17 Mar 2025

SpaceX's Crew-10 mission safely docks with the ISS, setting up for a crew rotation. Starlink continues its global expansion with additional satellite deployments.

SpaceX Stock Jumps 19% on Nasdaq Debut, X Report 15 Jun 2026

SpaceX stock surged 19% on its Nasdaq debut as Musk targets $1 trillion revenue by 2030. Starlink 17-54 marks the 1,500th satellite launched in 2026.

Space Brief 5 Dec 2024

Today's brief highlights Umbra Space's contract extension with the NRO, Trump's Space Force ambitions, FibreCoat's new funding targeting defense markets, and key US defense sentiments. Explore notable military and commercial satellite activities.

Kulasekarapattinam SSLV Launch Complex

India's second spaceport solves a geometry problem. How ISRO is building a dedicated small satellite facility that eliminates the costly dogleg maneuvers plaguing polar launches from Sriharikota.

X Report 14 Jun 2025

SpaceX achieves significant milestones with the launch of new Starlink satellites and the production of its 10 millionth Starlink kit amidst ongoing challenges with space station delays.

X Report 12 Jan 2025

SpaceX concludes a wet dress rehearsal for Starship Flight 7, aiming for the largest rocket launch on January 15 after weather delays.