STARLINK-31243 (58894)

COSPAR: 2024-020U | Alt Name: Starlink 31243

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

January 29, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

58894

International Designator

2024-020U

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 01:28:20 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

71.58°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

98.33°

Period

94.01 min

Mean Motion

15.32 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-31243

Alternative Name

Starlink 31243

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 58894U 24020U   26200.06135207  .00000374  00000+0  23818-4 0  9995

2 58894  53.1605  71.5795 0001690  98.3255 261.7938 15.31710457138190

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31243 or Starlink 31243, is a communication satellite built by SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on January 29, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The spacecraft uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box plus pan shape. It operates as part of the Starlink Group 7-12-19 constellation to facilitate global communication services.

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 7-12-19

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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