STARLINK-31296 (58879)

COSPAR: 2024-020D | Alt Name: Starlink 31296

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 29, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58879

International Designator

2024-020D

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:34:15 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

42.44°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

94.04°

Period

93.85 min

Mean Motion

15.34 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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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31296

Alternative Name

Starlink 31296

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 58879U 24020D   26200.85711973  .00000741  00000+0  33050-4 0  9992

2 58879  53.1612  42.4385 0000939  94.0364 266.0746 15.34398759138670

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-31296 satellite, also known as Starlink 31296, is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on January 29, 2024, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Its equipment includes a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The mission aims to enhance communication capabilities, and the spacecraft was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX).

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 7-12-04

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

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