STARLINK-31550 (59338)

COSPAR: 2024-057U | Alt Name: Starlink 31550

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

March 25, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59338

International Designator

2024-057U

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:25:20 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

160.82°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

265.91°

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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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31550

Alternative Name

Starlink 31550

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59338U 24057U   26200.89259308 -.00000557  00000+0 -10712-4 0  9993

2 59338  43.0019 160.8167 0001290 265.9072  94.1633 15.27575125130054

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31550 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite (BUS: Starlink V2M) owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on March 25, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this communication satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and was deployed with an initial launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite features a box-like shape with solar arrays and batteries for power generation, equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link equipment. It also utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite reached operational stability on March 26, 2024.

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

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 6-46-19

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

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Longitude

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