STARLINK-31494 (59238)

COSPAR: 2024-049H | Alt Name: Starlink 31494

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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

59238

International Designator

2024-049H

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:39:30 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

114.99°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

267.26°

Period

94.26 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

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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31494

Alternative Name

Starlink 31494

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59238U 24049H   26201.19409959 -.00008081  00000+0 -28391-3 0  9997

2 59238  43.0009 114.9876 0001638 267.2616  92.8048 15.27638713132672

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31494 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite (BUS: Starlink V2M) owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 16, 2024, from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, and its launch mass was 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power. Its primary mission is communication.

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 6-44-08

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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