STARLINK-31438 (59234)

COSPAR: 2024-049D | Alt Name: Starlink 31438

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 16, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59234

International Designator

2024-049D

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:57:12 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

104.38°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

233.39°

Period

94.27 min

Mean Motion

15.28 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-31438

Alternative Name

Starlink 31438

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59234U 24049D   26201.16472808 -.00000032  00000+0  83553-5 0  9993

2 59234  43.0009 104.3797 0000537 233.3876 126.6927 15.27575470132786

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-31438 satellite, also known as Starlink 31438 and part of the Starlink Group 6-44-04, is a communication satellite designed by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 16, 2024, from Launch Pad LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry and 730 kilograms at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link capabilities, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion.

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 6-44-04

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

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