STARLINK-31521 (59015)

COSPAR: 2024-036T | Alt Name: Starlink 31521

Image
STARLINK-31521 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 23, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59015

International Designator

2024-036T

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:39:27 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

183.32°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

73.57°

Period

94.11 min

Mean Motion

15.30 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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31521

Alternative Name

Starlink 31521

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 59015U 24036T   26201.11073284 -.00001291  00000+0 -31498-4 0  9995
2 59015  53.1594 183.3156 0000834  73.5748 286.5345 15.30194287135591

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-31521 satellite, also known as Starlink 31521, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on February 23, 2024, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when fully deployed. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry and 730 kilograms at launch. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity, STARLINK-31521 operates in a box plus panel shape configuration as part of the Starlink Group 7-15-18 mission aimed at enhancing 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

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 7-15-18

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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