X Report 9 Dec 2024
SpaceX's latest Starlink satellite launch boosts their constellation and Starship development progresses steadily.
STARLINK-31487 (59297)
COSPAR: 2024-056B | Alt Name: Starlink 31487
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59297
International Designator
2024-056B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:21:08 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
207.15°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
273.09°
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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31487
Alternative Name
Starlink 31487
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59297U 24056B 26200.38967752 -.00000314 00000+0 -18889-5 0 9994
2 59297 42.9998 207.1520 0000941 273.0890 86.9854 15.27574489131417
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31487 or Starlink 31487, was launched on March 24, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR 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. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its power source consists of solar arrays and batteries. The mission purpose is communication as part of the Starlink Group 6-42-02 constellation managed by SPXS.
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 6-42-02
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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