X Report 24 Apr 2025
SpaceX continues its historic launch cadence, includes Starlink expansion and business strategies in focus.
STARLINK-31442 (59859)
COSPAR: 2024-098B | Alt Name: Starlink 31442
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59859
International Designator
2024-098B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:29:34 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
255.50°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
272.77°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31442
Alternative Name
Starlink 31442
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59859U 24098B 26200.85386758 -.00000047 00000+0 78317-5 0 9991
2 59859 42.9999 255.5019 0001172 272.7718 87.3000 15.27573025122013
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31442 satellite, also known as Starlink 31442, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was launched on May 24, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kilograms and it has a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it also features Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power. Manufactured by SPXS, the satellite is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and belongs to the Starlink Group 6-63-02 payload group. Its shape is described as a box with a pan 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 6-63-02
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Brief 22 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's national security mission, a new missile interceptor project by Space Force, developments with Starship boosters, and more.
The Day a Car Started Its Journey to the Stars
Seven years ago, SpaceX revolutionized spaceflight by launching the most powerful operational rocket in the world, carrying with it a cherry-red Tesla Roadster that captured global imagination
X Report 20 Apr 2025
SpaceX is preparing for significant infrastructure expansion in Texas and Florida to support Starship, launches its third NRO mission in a week, and faces regulatory scrutiny from the Bahamas.
X Report 24 May 2025
SpaceX experiences a setback with Starship Flight 8 while continuing its Starlink deployment efforts with a successful launch from California.
Space Brief 22 Nov 2024
Today's key topics include delays in Vulcan's national security launches, a significant network upgrade contract for the Space Force, and military interest in SpaceX's Starship.
Space Brief 22 Jul 2025
Today's highlights include ExoMars' successful parachute test, developments in military satellite systems, and leadership changes at NASA Goddard.
Space Brief 3 Dec 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights the U.S. Air Force's $48 million investment in testing reentry capsules, a Pentagon-backed GPS alternative, and the Space Force's quest for funding autonomy.