SpaceX Hits 10,000 Starlink Satellites in Orbit | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX surpassed 10,000 simultaneous Starlink satellites in orbit after Starlink 17-24 deployed 25 satellites from California. Milestone reached in under 7 years.
STARLINK-31480 (59306)
COSPAR: 2024-056L | Alt Name: Starlink 31480
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59306
International Designator
2024-056L
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:42:18 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
201.79°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.28°
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-31480
Alternative Name
Starlink 31480
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59306U 24056L 26201.27938638 .00000436 00000+0 25374-4 0 9994
2 59306 43.0009 201.7872 0001229 270.2815 89.7896 15.27577771131435
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31480 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-056L) is a Starlink v2 Mini spacecraft manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on March 24, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply, it carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload complemented by an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, while its launch mass was 730 kg. Its primary mission is communication as part of the Starlink Group 6-42-11 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.
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 6-42-11
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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