SpaceX Hits 50 Launches, Falcon Heavy Scrub, X Report 28 Apr 2026
SpaceX hit 50 launches in 2026 on April 26. Falcon Heavy's ViaSat-3 mission, only its 12th flight, scrubbed on weather at Kennedy; new date pending.
STARLINK-31478 (59188)
COSPAR: 2024-045L | Alt Name: Starlink 31478
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 10, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59188
International Designator
2024-045L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:27:25 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
65.40°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
277.30°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-31478
Alternative Name
Starlink 31478
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59188U 24045L 26200.97737632 .00009991 00000+0 37187-3 0 9996
2 59188 42.9954 65.3963 0001546 277.3009 82.7667 15.27598301133398
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31478 or Starlink 31478, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 10, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Launch Complex 40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched with a total mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it also features solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 6-43-11 mission aimed at enhancing global communication capabilities.
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 6-43-11
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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