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STARLINK-31268 (59245)
COSPAR: 2024-049Q | Alt Name: Starlink 31268
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 16, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59245
International Designator
2024-049Q
Epoch
Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:23:20 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
42.97°
Right Ascension
270.08°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
313.89°
Period
88.77 min
Mean Motion
16.22 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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31268
Alternative Name
Starlink 31268
Type
Payload
Status
Partially operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59245U 24049Q 26102.89121189 .10617528 91156-5 42359-2 0 9996
2 59245 42.9733 270.0808 0018112 313.8873 46.0517 16.22184750118083
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated NORAD CAT ID 59245 and OBJECT_ID 2024-049Q, was launched on March 16, 2024, from Launch Complex 39A at the Air Force Eastern Test Range using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This Starlink v2 Mini satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 700 kg dry and had an initial mass of 730 kg at launch. The spacecraft is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays for power generation, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. Its mission and purpose are communication services. The satellite was manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and owned by the same entity. It is part of the Starlink Group 6-44-15 payload.
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.
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
29
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 6-44-15
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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