STARLINK-31978 (60016)

COSPAR: 2024-111A | Alt Name: Starlink 31978

Image

Additional Sources

Launch Details

Launch Date

June 8, 2024

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Launch Pad

LC40

Launch Vehicle

Falcon 9

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

60016

International Designator

2024-111A

Epoch

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:32:25 GMT

Apogee

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Perigee

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Inclination

53.16°

Right Ascension

179.46°

Eccentricity

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Argument of Perigee

74.37°

Period

94.01 min

Mean Motion

15.32 rev/day

Latitude

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Longitude

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Altitude

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Velocity

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Polar Plot

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Starlink V2M bus SpaceX Starlink constellation United States satellites Payloads

Basic Satellite Info

Name

STARLINK-31978

Alternative Name

Starlink 31978

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

SPXS

Country

United States

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs

1 60016U 24111A   26201.23085355 -.00001670  00000+0 -42050-4 0  9994

2 60016  53.1593 179.4600 0001111  74.3655 285.7469 15.31710505119237

Source: Celestrak

Summary

STARLINK-31978 is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration, manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX) and launched on June 8, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kilograms and a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link as its equipment, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 10-1-01 mission for communication purposes, owned by SpaceX (SPXS).

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 10-1-01

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

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