STARLINK-31628 (59342)

COSPAR: 2024-057Y | Alt Name: Starlink 31628

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

59342

International Designator

2024-057Y

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:53:51 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

164.02°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

278.73°

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-31628

Alternative Name

Starlink 31628

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59342U 24057Y   26200.28740567  .00000659  00000+0  33464-4 0  9993

2 59342  43.0030 164.0174 0001129 278.7275  81.3449 15.27578552129962

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31628 is a Starlink V2M satellite, configured as a Starlink v2 Mini and manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 25, 2024, from Launch Pad LC40 at AFETR using the 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. Its dry mass is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it also features Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power supply. The mission purpose is communication as part of the Starlink Group 6-46-23 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.

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 6-46-23

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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