STARLINK-31796 (59646)

COSPAR: 2024-082R | Alt Name: Starlink 31796

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

59646

International Designator

2024-082R

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:05:06 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

111.58°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

255.94°

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-31796

Alternative Name

Starlink 31796

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59646U 24082R   26201.17021802  .00000194  00000+0  16569-4 0  9992

2 59646  43.0009 111.5787 0000681 255.9398 104.1379 15.27582262125232

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-31796 satellite, also known as Starlink 31796, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink v2 Mini configuration series launched on May 3, 2024. It was deployed from the AFETR launch site, LC101 pad, using a Chang Zheng 5 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry mass and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Its propulsion system uses Argon ion thrusters for maneuvering, while its power is generated by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape consists of a box with panels, and it was designed to enhance communication capabilities as part of the Starlink Group 6-55-16 payload 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 6-55-16

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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