STARLINK-31648 (59266)

COSPAR: 2024-050N | Alt Name: Starlink 31648

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 19, 2024

Launch Site

AFWTR

Launch Pad

SLC4E

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59266

International Designator

2024-050N

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:46:24 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

285.24°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

87.08°

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-31648

Alternative Name

Starlink 31648

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59266U 24050N   26201.24055716  .00000409  00000+0  25949-4 0  9995

2 59266  53.1591 285.2430 0001071  87.0800 273.0323 15.30196469130840

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink V2M satellite, designated as STARLINK-31648 or Starlink 31648, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on March 19, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a configuration known as "Starlink v2 Mini" with dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans up to 29 meters when deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, with a total launch mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication. Power comes from solar arrays and batteries, and it uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan."

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 7-16-13

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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