The Day America's Moon Rocket Began Its Journey
Fifty-nine years ago, a revolutionary new rocket thundered skyward from Cape Kennedy, testing the spacecraft that would eventually carry astronauts to the lunar surface
STARLINK-31227 (59026)
COSPAR: 2024-038D | Alt Name: Starlink 31227
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 25, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59026
International Designator
2024-038D
Decay Date
1/28/2026
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31227
Alternative Name
Starlink 31227
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-31227 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-038D) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SpaceX and owned by the same entity. It was launched on February 25, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg with a total launch mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power generation and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its mission is to provide communication services, with the shape of its structure described as a box with a pan configuration.
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 6-39-04
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 24 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of classified TJS-14 satellite, Boeing's defense program losses, and the fourth batch launch of Thousand Sails satellites.
Starship Launch Site Construction Advances at Kennedy Space Center | KeepTrack X Report
Starship launch site construction progresses at Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Elon Musk trolls Ryanair after budget airline refuses to install Starlink on its fleet.
Falcon 9 to Lift Cygnus as Artemis II Hits Midpoint | KeepTrack X Report
Falcon 9 targets ISS Cygnus resupply as Artemis II reaches its halfway mark and SpaceX HLS commitment draws NASA praise.
New Glenn Damaged in Hotfire Anomaly at LC-36 | KeepTrack Space Brief
Blue Origin's New Glenn suffered a damaging anomaly during hotfire testing at Launch Complex 36, grounding the heavy-lift rocket indefinitely with no return-to-flight timeline announced.
Space Brief 21 May 2025
Today's Space Brief covers significant events including a high-stakes missile defense program, recent Chinese satellite launches, military defense initiatives, and key profiles in defense leadership.
Mega-Constellations Are Set to Flood Earth's Orbit
We forecast how many satellites could be in orbit by 2030 and what capabilities we can expect.
600th Falcon 9 Milestone Reached, Predawn President's Day Launch | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX celebrates 600th Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg. Predawn President's Day Starlink mission marks 10th Cape Canaveral launch of 2026. ISS crew boosted back to seven.