STARLINK-31516 (59221)

COSPAR: 2024-046W | Alt Name: Starlink 31516

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 11, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59221

International Designator

2024-046W

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:58:36 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

256.23°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

82.47°

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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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31516

Alternative Name

Starlink 31516

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59221U 24046W   26201.37403294 -.00000315  00000+0  17973-5 0  9999

2 59221  53.1592 256.2343 0001109  82.4738 277.6391 15.34394281133398

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The satellite STARLINK-31516 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-046W) is a Starlink V2M configuration spacecraft launched on March 11, 2024, from AFWTR Launch Site SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its dry mass is 700 kg and launch mass was 730 kg. The propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and owned by the same company. The satellite's shape consists of a box with a pan configuration for its 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.

Physical Characteristics

Length

0.3

Diameter

4.1

Span

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 7-17-21

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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