X Report 28 Jan 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, nearing milestone of 7,000 in orbit. Boeing and Airbus consider divesting from space, impacting industry dynamics.
STARLINK-31996 (60100)
COSPAR: 2024-117K | Alt Name: Starlink 31996
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60100
International Designator
2024-117K
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:14:49 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
142.30°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
87.92°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31996
Alternative Name
Starlink 31996
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60100U 24117K 26200.84362351 .00004625 00000+0 14795-3 0 9999
2 60100 53.1601 142.3042 0001617 87.9169 272.2019 15.34394170117139
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-31996 satellite, also known as Starlink 31996, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on June 23, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch, with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, the satellite also has solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Propulsion is provided by Argon ion thrusters. The satellite's shape is described as box-shaped with a pan component, and it was stabilized on its launch date at 18:07 UTC.
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 10-2-10
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.
Space Brief 16 Aug 2025
Today's brief covers ULA's new mission for the US Space Force, China's moon rocket test, delays in the DARC radar system, and SpaceX's Starlink launches.
X Report 6 Apr 2025
SpaceX's Fram2 mission lands in the Pacific, SpaceX secures U.S. military contracts, and Starlink expands with latest satellite launch.
Space Force Terminates $1.7B SCAR Contract, Relaunches | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force terminated its $1.7B SCAR ground antenna modernization contract and is relaunching competition. Delays extend reliance on aging legacy systems for MEO and GEO satellite command.
Space Brief 25 May 2025
Today's brief covers crucial developments in satellite technology and operations, including new Starlink launches, groundbreaking satellite data on flood waves, and pivotal changes in South African telecom policy driven by Starlink.
Space Brief 25 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers significant growth forecasts for global defense satellite communications, the integration of hypersonic missiles, cyber authority expansion in the Army, and more pivotal military developments.
US Military Likely Jamming Iran Satellite Comms | KeepTrack Space Brief
US military praised for space operations against Iran assessed as jamming or spoofing satellite communications. Electronic warfare effects invisible to orbital tracking data.
SpaceX Hits 10,000 Starlink Satellites in Orbit | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX surpassed 10,000 simultaneous Starlink satellites in orbit after Starlink 17-24 deployed 25 satellites from California. Milestone reached in under 7 years.