STARLINK-31659 (59254)

COSPAR: 2024-050A | Alt Name: Starlink 31659

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 19, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59254

International Designator

2024-050A

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:42:44 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

284.12°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

86.45°

Period

93.85 min

Mean Motion

15.34 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-31659

Alternative Name

Starlink 31659

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59254U 24050A   26200.48801377 -.00000509  00000+0 -39397-5 0  9995

2 59254  53.1595 284.1212 0000976  86.4548 273.6567 15.34387392131941

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-31659 satellite, also known as Starlink 31659, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 19, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power generation. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and 700 kilograms dry mass, equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite's propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters and is designed for communication purposes as part of the Starlink Group 7-16-01 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 7-16-01

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

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