STARLINK-31943 (59878)

COSPAR: 2024-098W | Alt Name: Starlink 31943

Image
STARLINK-31943 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

May 24, 2024

Launch Pad

LC39A

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59878

International Designator

2024-098W

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:06:19 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

42.99°

Right Ascension

244.16°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

54.54°

Period

92.85 min

Mean Motion

15.51 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31943

Alternative Name

Starlink 31943

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 59878U 24098W   26200.50439772  .00081836  00000+0  13564-2 0  9993
2 59878  42.9936 244.1631 0020058  54.5367 305.7362 15.50967705121463

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 59878 and OBJECT_ID 2024-098W is a Starlink V2M spacecraft, part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. It was launched on May 24, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle by SpaceX (SPXS). 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 launch mass of 730 kg. Its equipment includes a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite is equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and is used for 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.
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 6-63-21

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
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