STARLINK-31660 (59642)

COSPAR: 2024-082M | Alt Name: Starlink 31660

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

May 3, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC101

Launch Vehicle

Chang Zheng 5

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59642

International Designator

2024-082M

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:44:31 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

72.28°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

265.75°

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-31660

Alternative Name

Starlink 31660

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59642U 24082M   26200.98924875  .00000215  00000+0  17334-4 0  9993

2 59642  43.0012  72.2770 0001093 265.7541  94.3186 15.27577687125707

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31660 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 3, 2024, from the AFB East Test Range (AFETR) using a Chang Zheng 5 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg while its launch mass was 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power. The satellite's primary purpose is communication as part of the Starlink Group 6-55-12 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 6-55-12

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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Latitude

Longitude

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