The Day Humanity First Touched an Asteroid
Twenty-four years ago, a spacecraft designed only to orbit made history with an improvised landing on asteroid Eros, marking humanitys first controlled touchdown on a small celestial body
STARLINK-31312 (59152)
COSPAR: 2024-044A | Alt Name: Starlink 31312
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59152
International Designator
2024-044A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:14:37 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.01°
Right Ascension
31.41°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
267.44°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31312
Alternative Name
Starlink 31312
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59152U 24044A 26200.59348479 .00000284 00000+0 19871-4 0 9998
2 59152 43.0070 31.4085 0001614 267.4440 92.6227 15.27573768134353
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-31312 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-044A) is a Starlink v2 Mini communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. Launched on March 4, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It features Argon ion thrusters as its motor system and relies on solar arrays and batteries for power. Its dimensions include a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters, with a shape described as "Box + pan."
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 6-41-01
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 11 Aug 2025
Severe weather conditions disrupt the launch of Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites, highlighting ongoing challenges in satellite deployment amidst increasing competition in the space industry.
Space Brief 22 May 2025
Today's brief covers strategic alignments in U.S. military space operations, a landmark missile defense program, and advances in secure satellite communications.
Starship Flight 13 to Deploy First Starlink V3 Sats | KeepTrack X Report
Starship Flight 13 launches first Starlink V3 satellites as SpaceX nears 10,839 working satellites in orbit across the Starlink fleet.
The Day Europe Changed the Game for Small Satellites
Thirteen years ago, a new rocket lifted off from the edge of the Amazon rainforest, marking Europe's entry into the small satellite launch market and carrying the dreams of university students across a continent
Space Force Halts All Vulcan Missions Over Solid Booster Issue | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force suspends all Vulcan launches pending solid rocket booster investigation. Rocket Lab scrubs HASTE hypersonic vehicle launch. Military space funding hits record highs.
X Report 30 Mar 2025
SpaceX gears up for major Starlink launch, while Starship developments continue to shape commercial spacefrontiers.
Space Brief 20 Aug 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights Globalstar's new military focus, technological innovations in the Army's tactical systems, and a deeper look at key military satellite communications developments.