STARLINK-31638 (59489)

COSPAR: 2024-071F | Alt Name: Starlink 31638

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 13, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59489

International Designator

2024-071F

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:58:42 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

313.83°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

263.65°

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-31638

Alternative Name

Starlink 31638

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59489U 24071F   26200.74910250 -.00001426  00000+0 -42301-4 0  9995

2 59489  43.0027 313.8328 0001057 263.6549  96.4182 15.27586728128405

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-31638 satellite, also known as Starlink 31638, is a Starlink V2M type spacecraft configured for Starlink v2 Mini and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on April 13, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 via Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters when deployed. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and consists of a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Its payload includes Ku/Ka/E-band equipment along with an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and is intended for communication purposes.

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 6-49-06

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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