X Report 17 Feb 2025
Key insights on Starship development challenges and latest Starlink satellite status.
STARLINK-31869 (60196)
COSPAR: 2024-124P | Alt Name: Starlink 31869
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 3, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60196
International Designator
2024-124P
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:09:56 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
67.41°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.55°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31869
Alternative Name
Starlink 31869
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60196U 24124P 26200.92357030 .00002663 00000+0 97513-4 0 9999
2 60196 53.1593 67.4122 0001262 92.5535 267.5611 15.31709331114559
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-31869 satellite, designated OBJECT_ID 2024-124P and NORAD_CAT_ID 60196, is a part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on July 3, 2024, from Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 40 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, has a diameter of 4.1 meters, and spans up to 29 meters when its components are extended. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, it also uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays along with batteries for power generation. The mission objective is communication services.
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 8-9-14
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
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