X Report 17 Mar 2025
SpaceX's Crew-10 mission safely docks with the ISS, setting up for a crew rotation. Starlink continues its global expansion with additional satellite deployments.
STARLINK-31870 (59787)
COSPAR: 2024-093F | Alt Name: Starlink 31870
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 18, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59787
International Designator
2024-093F
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:56:18 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
183.20°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
284.64°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31870
Alternative Name
Starlink 31870
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59787U 24093F 26200.66409779 .00000450 00000+0 25893-4 0 9991
2 59787 43.0032 183.1954 0001067 284.6376 75.4357 15.27574628122880
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-31870 is a Starlink V2M satellite configured in the Starlink v2 Mini model, belonging to SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on May 18, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station 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 700 kg dry and had an initial mass of 730 kg upon launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication, it utilizes Argon ion thrusters as propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power. The satellite's design is a box with a pan shape, serving the purpose of enhancing communication capabilities in its 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.
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 6-59-06
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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