STARLINK-31257 (59079)

COSPAR: 2024-041F | Alt Name: Starlink 31257

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

59079

International Designator

2024-041F

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:06:43 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

281.67°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

271.96°

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-31257

Alternative Name

Starlink 31257

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59079U 24041F   26201.29633769  .00000280  00000+0  19692-4 0  9997

2 59079  43.0013 281.6711 0001640 271.9596  88.1067 15.27575943134555

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-31257 satellite, also known as Starlink 31257, is a communication satellite designed by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on February 29, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg and its launch mass was 730 kg. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's power system includes solar arrays and batteries.

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 6-40-06

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

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