X Report 25 May 2025
SpaceX addresses the cause of its recent Starship Flight 8 explosion, while successfully launching 23 more Starlink satellites as it continues to expand its constellation.
STARLINK-31279 (59086)
COSPAR: 2024-041N | Alt Name: Starlink 31279
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
February 29, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59086
International Designator
2024-041N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:53:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
287.85°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.01°
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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31279
Alternative Name
Starlink 31279
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59086U 24041N 26200.28741539 .00000503 00000+0 27809-4 0 9995
2 59086 43.0022 287.8536 0001310 270.0070 90.0631 15.27577134134448
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite designated STARLINK-31279 was launched on February 29, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of the Starlink v2 Mini constellation, manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with an antenna span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg and it weighs 730 kg at launch. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays for power generation, batteries for energy storage, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The mission purpose is communication.
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 6-40-13
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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