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STARLINK-31940 (59873)
COSPAR: 2024-098R | Alt Name: Starlink 31940
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 24, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59873
International Designator
2024-098R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:07:21 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
245.96°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
270.83°
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-31940
Alternative Name
Starlink 31940
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59873U 24098R 26200.50511227 -.00000119 00000+0 52020-5 0 9993
2 59873 43.0020 245.9554 0001175 270.8342 89.2375 15.27574779122099
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-31940 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-098R) is a Starlink v2 Mini communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and 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 spans 29 meters with its equipment including Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite weighs 700 kilograms dry and 730 kilograms at launch. Its power source consists of solar arrays and batteries, and it is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration and is part of the Starlink Group 6-63-16 payload mission focused on communication purposes.
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 6-63-16
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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