STARLINK-31303 (59239)

COSPAR: 2024-049J | Alt Name: Starlink 31303

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

59239

International Designator

2024-049J

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:47:07 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

104.82°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

268.17°

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-31303

Alternative Name

Starlink 31303

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59239U 24049J   26201.11605815 -.00000667  00000+0 -14757-4 0  9993

2 59239  43.0016 104.8157 0000660 268.1729  91.9047 15.27549598132783

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31303 is a Starlink V2M satellite launched on March 16, 2024, from Kennedy Space Center's LC39A launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. It belongs to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and has a bus length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 700 kg dry mass and was manufactured by SPXS for communication purposes. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor and solar arrays along with batteries for power.

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 6-44-09

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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