STARLINK-31278 (59163)

COSPAR: 2024-044M | Alt Name: Starlink 31278

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

59163

International Designator

2024-044M

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:03:34 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

74.42°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

272.00°

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-31278

Alternative Name

Starlink 31278

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59163U 24044M   26201.91915205  .00000597  00000+0  31224-4 0  9997

2 59163  43.0026  74.4169 0001594 271.9988  88.0681 15.27580493133940

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The satellite STARLINK-31278, also known as Starlink 31278, is a Starlink V2M spacecraft configured in a Starlink v2 Mini design. Launched on March 4, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kg at launch and consists of solar arrays and batteries for power supply. Its primary mission is communication, equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for connectivity. The spacecraft utilizes Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite was built by SPXS (SpaceX) and entered a stable orbit 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.

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 6-41-12

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

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