X Report 24 Mar 2025
SpaceX sets a rocket re-use record, Starlink satellites continue to proliferate, and Botswana launches its first national satellite.
STARLINK-31006 (59024)
COSPAR: 2024-038B | Alt Name: Starlink 31006
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 25, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59024
International Designator
2024-038B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 07:57:38 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
313.17°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
275.66°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-31006
Alternative Name
Starlink 31006
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59024U 24038B 26200.33169670 .00002578 00000+0 10324-3 0 9996
2 59024 43.0027 313.1681 0001486 275.6600 84.4082 15.27563039135473
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified as STARLINK-31006 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-038B) is a Starlink V2M spacecraft configured in the Starlink v2 Mini design, manufactured by SpaceX and owned by SpaceX. Launched on February 25, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms, with an initial launch mass of 730 kilograms. The satellite's primary mission is communication, utilizing Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link equipment. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 6-39-02
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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