X Report 18 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves significant milestones with Starship and multiple launch missions, while Starlink connectivity expands through T-Mobile's beta program.
STARLINK-31538 (59525)
COSPAR: 2024-073Q | Alt Name: Starlink 31538
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 17, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59525
International Designator
2024-073Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:41:23 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
292.80°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
267.40°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31538
Alternative Name
Starlink 31538
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59525U 24073Q 26200.61208022 -.00000332 00000+0 -25396-5 0 9992
2 59525 43.0013 292.8018 0001191 267.4034 92.6681 15.27570295126359
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31538 is a communication satellite part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on April 17, 2024, from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload with an optical inter-satellite link and is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. It has a launch mass of 730 kilograms and a dry mass of 700 kilograms, with its primary purpose being communication within the Starlink Group 6-51-15 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.
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 6-51-15
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
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 25 Dec 2025
Starlink reaches 9 million active users, while SpaceX prepares for upcoming missions with Flight 12 vehicles readying for 2026.
NASA Declares MAVEN Dead; Eastern Range Damage Assessment Underway | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA officially ended the MAVEN Mars orbiter mission after months of radio silence following an anomaly. Space Force assessing Eastern Range damage from separate incident affecting launch cadence.
Space Brief 10 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include strategic shifts in the defense sector, innovations in solar technology for space, and developments in satellite-related military projects.
First Nuclear-Powered Commercial Satellite Flies on Transporter-17 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's Transporter-17 rideshare carried 81 payloads including history's first nuclear-powered commercial satellite on July 7.
X Report 7 Dec 2025
SpaceX receives approval for a new Starship launch complex, while Blue Origin capitalizes on potential challenges faced by SpaceX in lunar missions.
Space Brief 9 Dec 2025
Today's edition covers significant military space developments, including DIU tech consolidation discussions, NDAA budget expansions, and new military commands.
Space Brief 25 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief covers pivotal updates in military space capabilities, defense acquisitions, the UK's nuclear enhancements, and Boeing's financial challenges.