STARLINK-31281 (59077)

COSPAR: 2024-041D | Alt Name: Starlink 31281

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

February 29, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59077

International Designator

2024-041D

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:48:13 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

281.58°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

265.03°

Period

94.27 min

Mean Motion

15.28 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-31281

Alternative Name

Starlink 31281

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59077U 24041D   26201.28348788  .00000431  00000+0  25204-4 0  9992

2 59077  43.0018 281.5774 0001330 265.0313  95.0387 15.27574711134603

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31281 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite, identified by OBJECT_ID 2024-041D and NORAD_CAT_ID 59077, launched on February 29, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), the satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kg at launch with a dry mass of 700 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Propulsion is provided by Argon ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as Box + pan. It operates within the Starlink Group 6-40-04 constellation and has a mission focus on 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 6-40-04

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

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