X Report 21 Mar 2025
SpaceX achieves a historic rocket reuse milestone and successfully launches NRO satellites, alongside charming interactions during Crew-9 Dragon recovery.
STARLINK-31492 (59212)
COSPAR: 2024-046M | Alt Name: Starlink 31492
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59212
International Designator
2024-046M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:11:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
263.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
83.54°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 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-31492
Alternative Name
Starlink 31492
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59212U 24046M 26200.54947448 .00000294 00000+0 22056-4 0 9993
2 59212 53.1596 263.1579 0000656 83.5370 276.5705 15.30193007133228
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-31492 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-046M) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration belonging to the US. It was launched on March 11, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg while its launch mass was 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite uses solar arrays and batteries for power and is owned by SPXS (SpaceX). Its mission and purpose are for communication purposes as part of the Starlink Group 7-17-12 payload.
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 7-17-12
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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