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U.S. Space Force's Europe operations amidst Ukraine conflict, Maxar's new partnership, integration of military and commercial tech, and the Pentagon's new AI initiatives shape today's space discourse.
STARLINK-31446 (59315)
COSPAR: 2024-056V | Alt Name: Starlink 31446
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59315
International Designator
2024-056V
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:10:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
208.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
275.08°
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-31446
Alternative Name
Starlink 31446
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59315U 24056V 26200.09086419 .00000991 00000+0 45547-4 0 9994
2 59315 43.0017 208.3496 0001596 275.0787 84.9883 15.27576497131254
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31446 satellite, designated OBJECT_ID 2024-056V and operated by SpaceX (SPXS), is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on March 24, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters with its deployed components. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation, the satellite is stabilized using Argon ion thrusters. Its primary mission is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 6-42-20 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 6-42-20
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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