X Report 19 Jul 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites from California while investigations begin on a possible Starship salvage operation near Mexico.
STARLINK-31338 (59156)
COSPAR: 2024-044E | Alt Name: Starlink 31338
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59156
International Designator
2024-044E
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:50:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
83.27°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
258.28°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-31338
Alternative Name
Starlink 31338
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59156U 24044E 26201.03538211 -.00000157 00000+0 37986-5 0 9995
2 59156 43.0001 83.2698 0000539 258.2848 101.7943 15.27579177133762
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31338 satellite, also known as Starlink 31338, is a communication satellite built by SpaceX (SPXS) under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on March 4, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite features a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a total launch mass of 730 kilograms. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering. Its mission focuses on providing 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.
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 6-41-05
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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