X Report 2 Mar 2025
Starship receives FAA approval for its next test flight, while SpaceX prepares to launch more Starlink satellites amidst reaching 5 million subscribers.
STARLINK-31496 (59211)
COSPAR: 2024-046L | Alt Name: Starlink 31496
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59211
International Designator
2024-046L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:51:07 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
250.87°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
81.85°
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-31496
Alternative Name
Starlink 31496
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59211U 24046L 26200.28550043 .00002312 00000+0 79570-4 0 9990
2 59211 53.1572 250.8746 0001169 81.8524 278.2611 15.34392296133378
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31496 satellite, also known as Starlink 31496, was launched on March 11, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This spacecraft is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and has dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. It was manufactured by SPXS and features a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power and is stabilized using Argon ion thrusters. The satellite's primary purpose is communication as part of the Starlink Group 7-17-11 mission.
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 7-17-11
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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