X Report 1 Dec 2024
SpaceX continues its collaboration with the NRO, while gearing up for lunar missions and a contract for NASA's Dragonfly mission to Titan.
STARLINK-31602 (59202)
COSPAR: 2024-046B | Alt Name: Starlink 31602
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59202
International Designator
2024-046B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:49:51 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
260.88°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
87.28°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31602
Alternative Name
Starlink 31602
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59202U 24046B 26200.40961816 .00002205 00000+0 76393-4 0 9999
2 59202 53.1582 260.8824 0000897 87.2769 272.8336 15.34385972133259
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31602 satellite, also known as Starlink 31602, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on March 11, 2024, from the AFWTR SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. The satellite features a Starlink V2M bus configuration and carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its dry mass is 700 kg, while the launch mass was 730 kg. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration and operates under SpaceX ownership for communication purposes.
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 7-17-02
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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