Falcon Heavy Launches ViaSat-3 F3, Space Brief 27 Apr 2026
Falcon Heavy launched ViaSat-3 F3 on April 27, its 12th flight, with the first dual landing zone recovery. Plus Soyuz-5's demo flight nears at Baikonur.
STARLINK-31657 (59487)
COSPAR: 2024-071D | Alt Name: Starlink 31657
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 13, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59487
International Designator
2024-071D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:26:24 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
314.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
277.16°
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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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31657
Alternative Name
Starlink 31657
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59487U 24071D 26200.68500172 -.00001138 00000+0 -31853-4 0 9994
2 59487 43.0022 314.2168 0001108 277.1646 82.9080 15.27576476128394
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31657 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite (BUS: Starlink V2M) owned and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on April 13, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters due to its solar arrays or deployable structures. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry (730 kilograms at launch) and is designed primarily for communication purposes. Its shape consists of a box structure complemented by a pan design.
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 6-49-04
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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