SpaceX Wins $4.16B Space Force Contract, X Report 3 Jun 2026
SpaceX wins a $4.16 billion Space Force satellite contract to track airborne threats worldwide, while dual-pad launches add 53 Starlink satellites.
STARLINK-31260 (58881)
COSPAR: 2024-020F | Alt Name: Starlink 31260
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58881
International Designator
2024-020F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:24:13 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
66.36°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
87.19°
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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31260
Alternative Name
Starlink 31260
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58881U 24020F 26200.93348969 .00001947 00000+0 68731-4 0 9998
2 58881 53.1608 66.3614 0001279 87.1852 272.9297 15.34405253138340
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31260 satellite, also known as Starlink 31260, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink Group 7-12-06 mission. It was launched on January 29, 2024, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when its components are deployed. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power, the satellite is configured as Starlink v2 Mini and utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its payload includes Ku/Ka/E-band communications equipment and an optical inter-satellite link, serving communication purposes in orbit.
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 7-12-06
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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