X Report 7 May 2025
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with a successful Falcon 9 launch carrying 28 Starlink satellites and receives FAA approval for increased Starship launches, amidst challenges posed by India's new satellite regulations.
STARLINK-31742 (59499)
COSPAR: 2024-071R | Alt Name: Starlink 31742
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 13, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59499
International Designator
2024-071R
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:04:13 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
312.30°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.97°
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-31742
Alternative Name
Starlink 31742
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59499U 24071R 26201.00293773 -.00000690 00000+0 -15548-4 0 9995
2 59499 43.0024 312.2966 0001121 271.9732 88.0991 15.27575298128441
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31742 is a Starlink V2M satellite, part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on April 13, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms and its launch mass is 730 kilograms. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its propulsion system uses Argon ion thrusters, and it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite was stable on April 13, 2024, at 02:45 UTC.
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 6-49-16
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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