STARLINK-31856 (59960)

COSPAR: 2024-107R | Alt Name: Starlink 31856

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

June 5, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

59960

International Designator

2024-107R

Epoch

Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:24:29 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

169.85°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

92.24°

Period

93.85 min

Mean Motion

15.34 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-31856

Alternative Name

Starlink 31856

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 59960U 24107R   26200.93367037  .00000373  00000+0  22165-4 0  9993

2 59960  53.1611 169.8550 0001100  92.2389 267.8740 15.34391955120065

Source: Celestrak

Summary

The STARLINK-31856 satellite, also known as Starlink 31856, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink Group 8-5-16 constellation. It was launched on June 5, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it also features Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape is described as a box with panels and is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) 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

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 8-5-16

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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