STARLINK-31629 (59255)

COSPAR: 2024-050B | Alt Name: Starlink 31629

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 19, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59255

International Designator

2024-050B

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:00:04 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

285.31°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

72.20°

Period

94.11 min

Mean Motion

15.30 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-31629

Alternative Name

Starlink 31629

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59255U 24050B   26201.25005591  .00000766  00000+0  37981-4 0  9995

2 59255  53.1611 285.3067 0001166  72.1982 287.9145 15.30197690130842

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink V2M satellite, designated as STARLINK-31629 or Starlink 31629, was launched on March 19, 2024, from AFWTR's SLC4E pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), it has a configuration known as "Starlink v2 Mini" and is part of the Starlink Group 7-16-02 mission. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it relies on solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters. Its mission is to provide communication services as part of SpaceX's 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 7-16-02

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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