STARLINK-31342 (59166)

COSPAR: 2024-044Q | Alt Name: Starlink 31342

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

59166

International Designator

2024-044Q

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:20:11 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

79.66°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

265.92°

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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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31342

Alternative Name

Starlink 31342

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59166U 24044Q   26201.01402214  .00000218  00000+0  17428-4 0  9992

2 59166  43.0017  79.6618 0001144 265.9153  94.1568 15.27580442133831

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-31342 satellite, also known as Starlink 31342, is a part of SpaceX's Starlink v2 Mini constellation and was launched on March 4, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters when fully deployed. The satellite has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and was launched at a total mass of 730 kilograms, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its payload includes Ku/Ka/E-band communications equipment and an optical inter-satellite link. The propulsion system consists of Argon ion thrusters to maintain its orbit. This satellite is designed primarily for communication purposes as part of SpaceX's broader Starlink network, aiming to provide global internet coverage.

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 6-41-15

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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Longitude

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