STARLINK-31946 (59940)

COSPAR: 2024-106U | Alt Name: Starlink 31946

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

June 1, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59940

International Designator

2024-106U

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 08:20:26 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

43.00°

Right Ascension

309.38°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

265.65°

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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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31946

Alternative Name

Starlink 31946

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59940U 24106U   26200.34752655  .00001158  00000+0  51632-4 0  9992

2 59940  43.0034 309.3753 0001506 265.6480  94.4200 15.27565899111285

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The Starlink-31946 satellite, designated as 2024-106U by NORAD, is a Starlink v2 Mini communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on June 1, 2024, from LC40 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 when deployed. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms and is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It uses argon ion thrusters as its motor system and solar arrays with batteries for power generation.

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

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 6-64-19

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

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