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STARLINK-31272 (59162)
COSPAR: 2024-044L | Alt Name: Starlink 31272
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59162
International Designator
2024-044L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:25:41 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
79.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
274.92°
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-31272
Alternative Name
Starlink 31272
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59162U 24044L 26200.93450469 .00000290 00000+0 20067-4 0 9996
2 59162 42.9998 79.9290 0001254 274.9181 85.1528 15.27578555133798
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31272, also known as Starlink 31272, is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration spacecraft launched on March 4, 2024, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using Falcon 9 as the 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 is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms, and the launch mass was 730 kilograms. STARLINK-31272 operates for communication purposes under the ownership of SpaceX (SPXS) and is part of the Starlink Group 6-41-11 payload mission. It uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as box with a pan configuration, and it was stabilized on March 5, 2024.
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 6-41-11
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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