STARLINK-31261 (59084)

COSPAR: 2024-041L | Alt Name: Starlink 31261

Image
STARLINK-31261 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

February 29, 2024

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59084

International Designator

2024-041L

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:24:18 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

285.90°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

287.86°

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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31261

Alternative Name

Starlink 31261

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 59084U 24041L   26200.60020953  .00002029  00000+0  83231-4 0  9995
2 59084  43.0017 285.9018 0001211 287.8550  72.2169 15.27574517134498

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31261, also known as Starlink 31261, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-40-11 payload. It was launched on February 29, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 (LC40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it also features solar arrays for power along with batteries and Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite is owned and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) for communication purposes.

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 6-40-11

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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