X Report 29 Sep 2025
In today's update, SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg, while Italy grapples with its satellite strategy amid rising reliance on Starlink services.
STARLINK-31409 (59299)
COSPAR: 2024-056D | Alt Name: Starlink 31409
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59299
International Designator
2024-056D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:00:19 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
200.12°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
273.79°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31409
Alternative Name
Starlink 31409
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59299U 24056D 26200.37522625 .00000094 00000+0 12929-4 0 9992
2 59299 43.0018 200.1239 0001092 273.7891 86.2836 15.27577024131499
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31409 is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, identified by the NORAD catalog ID 59299 and OBJECT_ID 2024-056D. Launched on March 24, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when fully deployed. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg with a total launch mass of 730 kg. It operates using solar arrays and batteries for power and is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. The propulsion system consists of Argon ion thrusters, while its shape resembles a box with panels. Owned by SPXS (SpaceX), it is part of the Starlink Group 6-42-04 mission aimed at enhancing communication services.
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 6-42-04
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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