SpaceX Resumes Falcon 9 Launches After Investigating Upper Stage Anomaly
SpaceX successfully returns to flight with a Starlink mission, detailing the cause of the July 11 anomaly and implementing fixes to prevent future incidents.
STARLINK-31880 (59661)
COSPAR: 2024-084H | Alt Name: Starlink 31880
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 6, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59661
International Designator
2024-084H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:52:03 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
11.95°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
265.03°
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-31880
Alternative Name
Starlink 31880
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59661U 24084H 26200.82782036 -.00000860 00000+0 -21721-4 0 9993
2 59661 43.0015 11.9503 0001230 265.0324 95.0387 15.27572282124627
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31880 satellite, also known as Starlink 31880, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 6, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It weighs approximately 730 kilograms at launch and carries a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Its payload includes Ku/Ka/E-band communications equipment and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power, and it uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. It was deployed as part of the Starlink Group 6-57-08 mission and has a box plus pan shape 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 6-57-08
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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