X Report 28 Feb 2025
SpaceX postpones Starship Flight 8, successfully launches Starlink satellites and two lunar missions.
STARLINK-31685 (59578)
COSPAR: 2024-076Q | Alt Name: Starlink 31685
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
April 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59578
International Designator
2024-076Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:59:00 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
342.83°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
265.97°
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-31685
Alternative Name
Starlink 31685
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59578U 24076Q 26200.74930825 -.00000574 00000+0 -11334-4 0 9994
2 59578 43.0010 342.8335 0001150 265.9672 94.1048 15.27576770126705
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31685, also known as Starlink 31685, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on April 23, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters when deployed. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and was manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, the satellite is designed primarily for communication purposes as part of the Starlink Group 6-53-15 constellation. The satellite's shape can be described as a box with a pan configuration.
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 6-53-15
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
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