X Report 25 Nov 2024
SpaceX launches multiple Starlink batches, FAA updates for Starship, and NASA plans lunar cargo deliveries involving SpaceX and Blue Origin.
STARLINK-31970 (59928)
COSPAR: 2024-106G | Alt Name: Starlink 31970
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 1, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
59928
International Designator
2024-106G
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:15:46 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
303.65°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
262.70°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31970
Alternative Name
Starlink 31970
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 59928U 24106G 26201.30262464 .00000319 00000+0 21115-4 0 9990
2 59928 43.0047 303.6508 0001384 262.7010 97.3685 15.27578110120853
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31970 satellite, also known as Starlink 31970, is a communications satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on June 1, 2024, from the LC40 launch pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it is part of the Starlink Group 6-64-07. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter, with an operational span of 29 meters. It weighs approximately 730 kilograms at launch and carries a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it utilizes solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite's payload includes a Ku/Ka/E-band communications system and an optical inter-satellite link. Its shape is described as "Box + pan" and its configuration is the Starlink v2 Mini variant of the Starlink V2M bus 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 6-64-07
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Mike Melvill, 124 Meters, and the Morning Space Went Private
On 21 June 2004, a 63-year-old test pilot rode a homebuilt rocket plane to 100,124 meters above the Mojave Desert, clearing the edge of space by about the length of a city block. He came down the first private astronaut in history, holding a sign that read 'SpaceShipOne, GovernmentZero.'
X Report 13 Aug 2025
SpaceX continues to innovate as it nears peak Falcon 9 launch rates while refining technologies pivotal for future Mars missions.
Space Brief 23 Oct 2024
Today's brief shines a light on surging space debris due to a new satellite breakup, SpaceX's continuous Starlink expansions, and notable legal support for Elon Musk's launch endeavors.
Largest Satellite Debris Events
Space debris poses a mounting threat to both satellites and space missions. As we send more objects into orbit, the likelihood of collisions and subsequent breakups producing dangerous space debris increases. Recognizing the major events that have generated this dangerous space junk is pivotal in ensuring the safety of future space missions.
Voyager 1
In November 2023, Earth's most distant spacecraft started speaking gibberish. Five months, one dead memory chip, and 30 billion miles of round-trip troubleshooting later, engineers got it talking again - using code written before most of them were born.
X Report 3 Dec 2024
Starship developments continue to capture attention alongside Starlink's latest deployment milestones.
X Report 7 Mar 2025
Starship Flight 8 ends with mixed results as SpaceX successfully catches Super Heavy booster but loses the upper stage in a fiery breakup.