STARLINK-31238 (58853)

COSPAR: 2024-019A | Alt Name: Starlink 31238

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 29, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58853

International Designator

2024-019A

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:07:38 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

220.98°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

279.89°

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

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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31238

Alternative Name

Starlink 31238

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 58853U 24019A   26201.08864119  .00000234  00000+0  18028-4 0  9994

2 58853  43.0000 220.9810 0001270 279.8934  80.1774 15.27578529139339

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31238 is a communication satellite part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on January 29, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with an Argon ion thruster for propulsion and carrying a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is owned and operated by SPXS. Its primary purpose is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 6-38-01 mission.

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 6-38-01

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

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