X Report 8 Dec 2025
SpaceX faces weather challenges as it scrubs the launch of its 3,000th Starlink satellite. Meanwhile, Elon Musk discusses advancing to a Type II civilization in an engaging social media post.
STARLINK-31229 (58986)
COSPAR: 2024-031X | Alt Name: Starlink 31229
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58986
International Designator
2024-031X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:31:13 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
42.42°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
104.31°
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-31229
Alternative Name
Starlink 31229
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58986U 24031X 26200.85501896 -.00000418 00000+0 -12384-5 0 9995
2 58986 53.1612 42.4216 0001196 104.3066 255.8070 15.34391963136755
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31229 is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 7-14-22 payload. It was launched on February 15, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. Equipped with an equipment payload including Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, the satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a pan configuration. Manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS), the purpose of this satellite is to provide 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.
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 7-14-22
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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