STARLINK-31297 (59158)

COSPAR: 2024-044G | Alt Name: Starlink 31297

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 4, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59158

International Designator

2024-044G

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:00:50 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

83.47°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

270.45°

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-31297

Alternative Name

Starlink 31297

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59158U 24044G   26200.37557870  .00000539  00000+0  29095-4 0  9999

2 59158  43.0010  83.4732 0000773 270.4517  89.6246 15.27578987133739

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31297 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite (BUS: Starlink V2M) owned and operated by SPXS. Launched on March 4, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Launch Pad LC40 using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. It weighs approximately 700 kg dry mass and 730 kg at launch. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters, and it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration.

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 6-41-07

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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