X Report 31 Mar 2025
New experiments in space agriculture begin with Fram2 mission, a historic polar orbit flight, and a Starlink launch postponement.
STARLINK-31404 (59521)
COSPAR: 2024-073L | Alt Name: Starlink 31404
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 17, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59521
International Designator
2024-073L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:13:48 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
295.31°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.79°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31404
Alternative Name
Starlink 31404
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59521U 24073L 26200.25959227 .00001289 00000+0 56345-4 0 9995
2 59521 43.0020 295.3128 0001121 270.7907 89.2817 15.27578015126296
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-31404 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-073L) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on April 17, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a BUS type of Starlink V2M and serves a communication mission. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and has a box + pan shape.
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 6-51-11
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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