STARLINK-31601 (59209)

COSPAR: 2024-046J | Alt Name: Starlink 31601

Image
STARLINK-31601 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 11, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59209

International Designator

2024-046J

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:22:34 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

260.77°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

97.09°

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
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31601

Alternative Name

Starlink 31601

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 59209U 24046J   26200.39068219  .00000297  00000+0  19926-4 0  9997
2 59209  53.1604 260.7651 0001290  97.0924 263.0226 15.34389441133253

Source: Celestrak

Summary
STARLINK-31601 is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 11, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The spacecraft uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box-shaped structure with a pan configuration.

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 7-17-09

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

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