2nd Starlink Debris Event in 3 Months Raises Alarm | KeepTrack X Report
A second Starlink satellite has generated on-orbit debris in just over 3 months, threatening SpaceX's 10,151-satellite working constellation.
STARLINK-31708 (59439)
COSPAR: 2024-065U | Alt Name: Starlink 31708
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59439
International Designator
2024-065U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:58:18 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
27.18°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
102.48°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-31708
Alternative Name
Starlink 31708
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59439U 24065U 26200.74882777 .00000870 00000+0 36876-4 0 9995
2 59439 53.1624 27.1825 0001200 102.4775 257.6361 15.34392162129162
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31708 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite built by SpaceX and launched on April 7, 2024, from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans up to 29 meters when its components are extended. The satellite weighs 730 kg at launch with a dry mass of 700 kg and is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters, and it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply.
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 8-1-19
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
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