STARLINK-31778 (59602)

COSPAR: 2024-080B | Alt Name: Starlink 31778

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

April 28, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59602

International Designator

2024-080B

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:46:19 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

8.30°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

262.51°

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-31778

Alternative Name

Starlink 31778

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59602U 24080B   26200.86550172 -.00002740  00000+0 -90085-4 0  9990

2 59602  43.0042   8.2973 0001188 262.5143  97.5573 15.27576551124789

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31778 is a communication satellite launched by SpaceX on April 28, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg, equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload for communication, an optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries and operates within the Starlink v2 Mini configuration as part of the Starlink Group 6-54-02 mission.

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 6-54-02

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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