X Report 24 Feb 2025
SpaceX faces challenges with a Falcon 9 reentry issue, while continuing to expand its Starlink constellation with new launches.
STARLINK-31578 (59321)
COSPAR: 2024-057B | Alt Name: Starlink 31578
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 25, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59321
International Designator
2024-057B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:50:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
163.69°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.33°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-31578
Alternative Name
Starlink 31578
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59321U 24057B 26200.24371722 .00000894 00000+0 42015-4 0 9992
2 59321 43.0020 163.6858 0001273 270.3312 89.7393 15.27578723129962
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31578 satellite, also known as Starlink 31578, is a communication satellite launched on March 25, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It belongs to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and has a Bus type of Starlink V2M. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, featuring solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its dry mass is 700 kg while its launch mass was 730 kg. Equipped with an Argon ion thruster motor and Ku/Ka/E-band payload including optical inter-satellite links, the satellite's purpose is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 6-46-02 mission managed by SpaceX (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 6-46-02
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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