SpaceX Resumes Falcon 9 Launches After Investigating Upper Stage Anomaly
SpaceX successfully returns to flight with a Starlink mission, detailing the cause of the July 11 anomaly and implementing fixes to prevent future incidents.
STARLINK-31850 (59903)
COSPAR: 2024-100U | Alt Name: Starlink 31850
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 28, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59903
International Designator
2024-100U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:28:54 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
99.43°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
264.73°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31850
Alternative Name
Starlink 31850
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59903U 24100U 26200.72841274 .00000516 00000+0 28277-4 0 9999
2 59903 43.0026 99.4270 0001206 264.7335 95.3379 15.27575692121293
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31850 satellite, also known as Starlink 31850, is a communication spacecraft under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, part of the Starlink Group 6-60-19. Launched on May 28, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it was manufactured by SPXS and owned by SPXS. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Its dry mass is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite uses Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system.
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 6-60-19
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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