X Report 21 Jan 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, marking their return post-Starship explosion. Starship's recent test flight leaves debris washing ashore, while Blue Origin's New Glenn debut sparks discussion.
STARLINK-31861 (59906)
COSPAR: 2024-100X | Alt Name: Starlink 31861
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
May 28, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59906
International Designator
2024-100X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:54:19 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
91.06°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
276.79°
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-31861
Alternative Name
Starlink 31861
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59906U 24100X 26200.99606100 -.00000087 00000+0 63669-5 0 9997
2 59906 43.0009 91.0610 0000815 276.7924 83.2835 15.27580645121461
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31861 satellite, also known as Starlink 31861, is a communication satellite designed under the configuration "Starlink v2 Mini" and falls under the BUS type "Starlink V2M". It was launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on May 28, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures approximately 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The dry mass is 700 kg, while the launch mass was 730 kg. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, and it utilizes Argon ion thrusters as its motor 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 6-60-22
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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