Rocket Lab to Acquire Iridium for $8B, X Report 30 Jun 2026
Rocket Lab will acquire Iridium for $8B to challenge SpaceX, whose Starlink constellation holds 10,706 working satellites of 12,390 launched.
STARLINK-31169 (58809)
COSPAR: 2024-012Y | Alt Name: Starlink 31169
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 15, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58809
International Designator
2024-012Y
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:16:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
136.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.85°
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-31169
Alternative Name
Starlink 31169
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58809U 24012Y 26201.21963426 -.00000170 00000+0 33582-5 0 9997
2 58809 43.0034 136.8743 0001287 267.8512 92.2193 15.27575454141509
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31169 or Starlink 31169, was launched on January 15, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg, this satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans 29 meters. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses argon ion thrusters as its motor and solar arrays with batteries for power. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), this spacecraft operates in a box plus pan configuration and is owned by SpaceX, serving the Starlink Group 6-37-23 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 6-37-23
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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