Space Force Awards $1.8B Andromeda Program to 14 Firms | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force selects 14 companies for $1.8 billion Andromeda program to replace GSSAP geosynchronous surveillance satellites with commercial alternatives through 2036.
STARLINK-31546 (59470)
COSPAR: 2024-068R | Alt Name: Starlink 31546
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 10, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59470
International Designator
2024-068R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:04:24 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
6.49°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
277.05°
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-31546
Alternative Name
Starlink 31546
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59470U 24068R 26200.50306699 .00000272 00000+0 19414-4 0 9996
2 59470 43.0031 6.4931 0001076 277.0535 83.0194 15.27578017128722
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31546 satellite, also known as Starlink 31546, is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-48-16 payload. Launched on April 10, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It features solar arrays and batteries as its power source and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its dimensions include a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite's shape is described as box with panels.
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 6-48-16
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.
Falcon 9 Lifts 11,000 lbs of ISS Cargo on NG-24 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Falcon 9 launches Northrop Grumman's Cygnus NG-24 to the ISS carrying 11,000 lbs of critical cargo this weekend.
X Report 23 Apr 2025
SpaceX marks a significant milestone with its Bandwagon-3 mission, while Ukraine explores Starlink alternatives.
X Report 14 Sep 2025
SpaceX successfully launched its 300th Starlink mission, deploying 24 new satellites to further expand its internet service coverage worldwide.
X Report 10 Feb 2025
SpaceX prepares for Starship Flight 8 with successful booster static fire; Starlink continues its expansion.
NASA OIG Flags Starship Artemis Gaps as Falcon 9 Eyes 8-Launch Week | KeepTrack X Report
NASA's Inspector General warns of crew survival analysis gaps in Starship lunar lander program as Falcon 9 prepares to lead 8 global launches this week.
Vulcan Grounded as GEM 63XL Booster Passes Test | KeepTrack Space Brief
ULA's Vulcan remains grounded after February in-flight GEM 63XL booster anomaly. Northrop Grumman completed successful static fire test, but investigation ongoing with no return-to-flight date.
Space Brief 27 Jul 2025
Busy activities in space: SpaceX's series of Starlink launches dominate the week, while Vega C successfully deploys Earth science satellites.