The Day America Pioneered Polar Orbits
Sixty-six years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket thundered into the California sky carrying Discoverer 1, the first satellite attempt at polar orbit and the secret vanguard of Americas space reconnaissance program
STARLINK-31720 (59497)
COSPAR: 2024-071P | Alt Name: Starlink 31720
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 13, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59497
International Designator
2024-071P
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:34:53 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
311.21°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
246.43°
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-31720
Alternative Name
Starlink 31720
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59497U 24071P 26201.31590060 .00004365 00000+0 16820-3 0 9990
2 59497 43.0018 311.2119 0001141 246.4341 113.6391 15.27549710128489
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31720, also known as Starlink 31720, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink Group 6-49-14 payload. Launched on April 13, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply. The satellite is owned by SPXS (SpaceX) and was manufactured by the same entity.
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 6-49-14
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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