STARLINK-31668 (59580)

COSPAR: 2024-076S | Alt Name: Starlink 31668

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 23, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59580

International Designator

2024-076S

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:47:54 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

342.78°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

270.65°

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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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31668

Alternative Name

Starlink 31668

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59580U 24076S   26200.74160044 -.00000186  00000+0  27728-5 0  9998

2 59580  43.0012 342.7794 0001247 270.6517  89.4192 15.27576411126705

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31668, also known as Starlink 31668, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Launched on April 23, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Launch Complex 40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite is configured with a Starlink v2 Mini bus design featuring solar arrays and batteries for power supply. It measures 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and has a span of 29 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it also includes Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's primary mission is communication purposes within the Starlink Group 6-53-17 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

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 6-53-17

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

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