The Day That Changed Spaceflight Forever
Thirty-nine years ago, the loss of Space Shuttle Challenger and its seven crew members forever transformed our approach to spaceflight safety and risk management
STARLINK-31309 (59164)
COSPAR: 2024-044N | Alt Name: Starlink 31309
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 4, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59164
International Designator
2024-044N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:36:47 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
79.98°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
263.86°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31309
Alternative Name
Starlink 31309
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59164U 24044N 26200.94221620 -.00000144 00000+0 42751-5 0 9998
2 59164 43.0022 79.9837 0001217 263.8626 96.2087 15.27576024133823
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31309, was launched on March 4, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 (LC40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and belongs to SpaceX (SPXS). It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. Weighing 700 kilograms dry and 730 kilograms at launch, it is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power. It was successfully stabilized on March 5, 2024, at 0100:46 UTC and is designed for communication missions within the Starlink Group 6-41-13 constellation.
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 6-41-13
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Dog They Never Planned to Bring Home
On April 14, 1958, Sputnik 2 burned up over the North Atlantic, carrying the remains of a stray dog from Moscow who had been dead for five months. The Soviet Union told the world she survived for days. It took forty-five years for the truth to come out.
X Report 18 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with Starship and multiple launch missions, while Starlink connectivity expands through T-Mobile's beta program.
Vulcan Grounding Threatens WGS-11 and OPIR Launches | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan rocket grounded, imperiling Space Force WGS-11 communications satellite and Next-Gen OPIR missile warning payload. Both missions lack backup launch options.
Space Brief 22 May 2025
Today's brief covers strategic alignments in U.S. military space operations, a landmark missile defense program, and advances in secure satellite communications.
Space Brief 20 Aug 2024
Polaris Dawn's upcoming commercial spacewalk, successful lunar orbit by Chinese spacecraft, and more space news including SpaceX's Starlink mission, RFA's static-fire failure, and advances in satellite technology.
X Report 31 Jan 2025
SpaceX's Starlink sparks market shifts and celestial awe as iPhones gain new connectivity and a satellite ignites the night sky.
Space Brief 30 Jun 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's record-breaking launches, Japan's final H-2A launch, and significant developments in satellite data policies impacting weather forecasting.