X Report 3 Jan 2025
SpaceX's pivotal role in setting a new global launch record and the upcoming launch of the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite are spotlighted today.
STARLINK-31256 (59161)
COSPAR: 2024-044K | Alt Name: Starlink 31256
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59161
International Designator
2024-044K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:20:08 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
79.89°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
273.28°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31256
Alternative Name
Starlink 31256
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59161U 24044K 26200.93065037 .00000190 00000+0 16441-4 0 9998
2 59161 43.0048 79.8923 0001412 273.2845 86.7845 15.27577322133826
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31256 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on March 4, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg. It is powered by solar arrays and batteries and equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters, and it was deployed as part of the Starlink Group 6-41-10 mission.
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 6-41-10
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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