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STARLINK-31728 (59496)
COSPAR: 2024-071N | Alt Name: Starlink 31728
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 13, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59496
International Designator
2024-071N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:33:47 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
314.25°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
269.06°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-31728
Alternative Name
Starlink 31728
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59496U 24071N 26200.69013610 .00007395 00000+0 27791-3 0 9995
2 59496 43.0020 314.2495 0001413 269.0579 91.0111 15.27587492128395
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31728 satellite, also known as Starlink 31728, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on April 13, 2024, from the AFAETR launch site using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, with a span of 29 meters due to its solar arrays. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload alongside an optical inter-satellite link and is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms, while the launch mass was 730 kilograms, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration and is part of the Starlink Group 6-49-13 mission 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.
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 6-49-13
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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