X Report 28 Dec 2024
SpaceX wraps up a stellar year with Starship achievements and prepares for a lunar triple-shot in 2025.
STARLINK-31938 (59865)
COSPAR: 2024-098H | Alt Name: Starlink 31938
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59865
International Designator
2024-098H
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:33:47 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
249.42°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
271.00°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-31938
Alternative Name
Starlink 31938
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59865U 24098H 26201.19013187 .00000781 00000+0 37934-4 0 9992
2 59865 43.0034 249.4197 0001225 270.9998 89.0713 15.27566116122114
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 59865 and OBJECT ID 2024-098H was launched on May 24, 2024, from Launch Complex 39A (LC39A) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, designed for communication purposes by SpaceX (SPXS). Equipped with an Argon ion thruster motor, solar arrays, batteries, and payloads including Ku/Ka/E-band communications equipment and optical inter-satellite links, it weighs approximately 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a panel design.
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 6-63-08
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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