X Report 26 Feb 2025
SpaceX progresses with Starship Flight 8 preparations, completes investigation into Flight 7 mishap, and prepares for upcoming launches.
STARLINK-31851 (59844)
COSPAR: 2024-097K | Alt Name: Starlink 31851
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59844
International Designator
2024-097K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:24:17 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
249.94°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
282.91°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31851
Alternative Name
Starlink 31851
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59844U 24097K 26200.47520722 -.00000339 00000+0 -27950-5 0 9995
2 59844 43.0021 249.9440 0001656 282.9054 77.1613 15.27572463122071
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-31851 or Starlink 31851, is a communication satellite part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on May 23, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters.
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 6-62-10
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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