STARLINK-31731 (59498)

COSPAR: 2024-071Q | Alt Name: Starlink 31731

Image
STARLINK-31731 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

April 13, 2024

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59498

International Designator

2024-071Q

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:09:42 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

315.92°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

275.37°

Period

94.27 min

Mean Motion

15.28 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31731

Alternative Name

Starlink 31731

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 59498U 24071Q   26200.34007676  .00000409  00000+0  24379-4 0  9993
2 59498  43.0019 315.9244 0001079 275.3709  84.7020 15.27571070128346

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The STARLINK-31731 satellite, also known as Starlink 31731, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink Group 6-49-15 and part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration series. It was launched on April 13, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 (LC40) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched with a total mass of 730 kg. Equipped with an Argon ion thruster propulsion system, it features a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is supplied by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) as part of its broader mission to provide global internet coverage through the Starlink constellation.

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 6-49-15

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
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
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.

X Report 24 Nov 2025

X Report 24 Nov 2025

SpaceX successfully launches 28 Starlink satellites on a new Falcon 9 rocket from California, marking a significant milestone for their satellite constellation.

Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026

Starlink Hits 10,000 Satellites in Orbit, X Report 17 Mar 2026

How many Starlink satellites are in orbit in 2026? SpaceX passed 10,000 after the Starlink 17-24 launch, with 10,020 in orbit and 11,529 launched.

ULA Launches 29 Amazon Kuiper Satellites; Falcon Heavy Returns | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA Launches 29 Amazon Kuiper Satellites; Falcon Heavy Returns | KeepTrack Space Brief

ULA's Atlas V deployed 29 Amazon Kuiper LEO satellites on April 27. Falcon Heavy returns this week with ViaSat-3 F3. Six orbital launches scheduled across three continents.

Musk Confirms Starmind AI Constellation, X Report 24 Jun 2026

Musk Confirms Starmind AI Constellation, X Report 24 Jun 2026

Musk confirms Starmind, an AI satellite constellation targeting 1 million orbital compute nodes. Starfall's debut and Dragon's ISS departure follow.

Space Force Eyes 30,000 Satellites by 2040 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Eyes 30,000 Satellites by 2040 | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force projects 30,000-satellite orbital architecture by 2040 amid combat integration revelations. Gen. Saltzman confirms space operations were critical in Iran conflict.

White House Orders Space Nuclear Power by 2028 | KeepTrack Space Brief

White House Orders Space Nuclear Power by 2028 | KeepTrack Space Brief

White House directs NASA and Pentagon to field space nuclear power systems by 2028, with DoD demonstration required by 2031. Game-changer for military satellite power budgets.

Space Brief 7 Apr 2025

Space Brief 7 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include new ESA Euclid data, upcoming Blue Origin flight, and multiple Starlink launches, delivering fresh satellite tracking opportunities.

Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned

Joe Engle and the Youngest Astronaut Wings Ever Earned

On 29 June 1965, a young Air Force test pilot rode a rocket-powered airplane to 280,600 feet above the California desert. He landed ten minutes later as the youngest person ever to earn astronaut wings.