STARLINK-31298 (59167)

COSPAR: 2024-044R | Alt Name: Starlink 31298

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

59167

International Designator

2024-044R

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:34:57 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

81.54°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

267.78°

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-31298

Alternative Name

Starlink 31298

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59167U 24044R   26200.69094860  .00000002  00000+0  95999-5 0  9991

2 59167  43.0002  81.5361 0001167 267.7845  92.2873 15.27574414133757

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31298, also known as Starlink 31298, is a communication satellite based on the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-41-16 payload. Launched by SpaceX (SPXS) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it was deployed on March 4, 2024. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The dry mass is 700 kg, while the launch mass was 730 kg. Power generation comes from solar arrays and batteries. The satellite employs Argon ion thrusters as its motor system to maintain its orbit.

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 6-41-16

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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