STARLINK-31285 (59244)

COSPAR: 2024-049P | Alt Name: Starlink 31285

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

59244

International Designator

2024-049P

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:01:36 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

120.49°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

273.68°

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-31285

Alternative Name

Starlink 31285

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59244U 24049P   26200.20945218 -.00000062  00000+0  72551-5 0  9997

2 59244  43.0004 120.4948 0000918 273.6770  86.3976 15.27582852132511

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The satellite named STARLINK-31285 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-049P) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration spacecraft manufactured by SpaceX and owned by SPXS. Launched on March 16, 2024, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans up to 29 meters when its equipment is deployed. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and features an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite's primary mission is communication within SpaceX’s Starlink Group 6-44-14 constellation.

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 6-44-14

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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Latitude

Longitude

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