ESA Buys Dedicated Crew Dragon Mission for 4 Astronauts | KeepTrack X Report
ESA is purchasing a dedicated SpaceX Crew Dragon flight to send 4 European astronauts to the ISS ahead of the station's planned retirement.
STARLINK-31451 (59366)
COSPAR: 2024-060U | Alt Name: Starlink 31451
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
March 31, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59366
International Designator
2024-060U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:34:15 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
233.35°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
281.75°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31451
Alternative Name
Starlink 31451
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59366U 24060U 26200.81546242 .00000642 00000+0 32866-4 0 9993
2 59366 43.0031 233.3491 0001854 281.7480 78.3164 15.27577136130271
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31451, also known as Starlink 31451, is a communication satellite designed under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on March 31, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, with a span of 29 meters, indicating the deployment of solar arrays or antennas. It weighs 730 kg at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and operates on power generated by its solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 6-45-19 mission aimed at enhancing communication services.
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 6-45-19
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
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 23 Jan 2025
SpaceX gears up for Starship Flight 8 amidst Starlink's growing presence in global internet markets.
Four Raptors Fail, Starship 13 Scrubbed at T-0, X Report 18 Jul 2026
Four Raptor engines failed to ignite at T-0, scrubbing Starship Flight 13 on July 16; SpaceX now targets July 20 for next attempt.
Booster 19 Return Imminent as Pad 2 Refinements Continue | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX is finalizing Pad 2 upgrades at Starbase ahead of Booster 19's return flight, as Starlink's active constellation holds at 10,185 satellites.
Space Brief 18 Sep 2024
Today's Space Brief covers Rocket Lab's IoT satellite launch, SpaceX's European Galileo satellites, FAA's fine on SpaceX, Polaris Dawn mission achievements, and more.
X Report 28 Mar 2025
SpaceX sees another successful Starlink launch and faces strategic contract discussions as NASA pivots to reliable Dragon missions.
Space Brief 28 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers collaborations enhancing defense capabilities, new satellite technologies entering the market, and strategic shifts in military satellite applications.
Space Brief 1 Mar 2025
Today's Space Brief covers reentries, the impact of NOAA dismissals on space weather tracking, a strategic academic partnership probing cosmic mysteries, and a newly unveiled space motto.