Starship Flight 12 Targets May 19 with Redesigned Ship | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship Flight 12 debut, while CRS-34 delivers 6,500 lbs of cargo to ISS aboard a Falcon 9.
STARLINK-31421 (59218)
COSPAR: 2024-046T | Alt Name: Starlink 31421
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59218
International Designator
2024-046T
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:59:24 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
260.50°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
79.19°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31421
Alternative Name
Starlink 31421
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59218U 24046T 26200.45792218 .00000911 00000+0 38083-4 0 9995
2 59218 53.1596 260.4960 0000877 79.1938 280.9164 15.34391710133250
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31421 satellite, also known as Starlink 31421, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on March 11, 2024. It has a NORAD catalog ID of 59218 and an object ID of 2024-046T. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters. It was manufactured by SPXS, weighs 700 kg dry, and had a launch mass of 730 kg. STARLINK-31421 is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The propulsion system uses Argon ion thrusters. Launched from AFWTR's SLC4E pad using a Falcon 9 vehicle, the satellite serves as part of the Starlink Group 7-17-18 constellation for communication purposes under ownership by SPXS.
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 7-17-18
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The International Scientific Optical Network (ISON)
How a controversial telescope network has become a significant player in tracking the increasingly crowded orbital environment, raising important questions about transparency, dual-use technologies, and the future of space situational awareness.
Space Brief 27 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include the certification of ULA's Vulcan rocket for national security missions, developments in nuclear timekeeping for GPS systems, and updates on the Space Force's new warfighting framework.
X Report 8 Aug 2025
SpaceX celebrates its 100th launch of the year with a Falcon 9 mission carrying Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites, while Crew-10 prepares for its return from the ISS and the company expands its interplanetary ambitions with new Mars partnerships.
X Report 2 Feb 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 43 Starlink satellites across two missions, marking significant achievements at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Space Force Bases.
ESA's Proba-3 Formation-Flyer Goes Silent | KeepTrack Space Brief
ESA's Proba-3 spacecraft lost contact last month, grounding the dual-satellite solar eclipse mission. Formation flying between both craft is critical for coronagraph science.
The Evolution of Space Stations
A brief journey through the evolution of space stations, delving into Russia's Mir, the International Space Station, China's Tiangong, and envisioning the future of orbital habitats.
Block 3 Starship Pad Work Accelerates at Starbase | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX engineers are overhauling Starbase launch infrastructure for Block 3 Starships as Falcon 9 prepares another Starlink batch run.