X Report 8 Feb 2025
SpaceX makes strides on Starship launch pad, upcoming Starlink infusions from California and Florida, and regulatory challenges loom with FCC and C-band spectrum.
STARLINK-31656 (60286)
COSPAR: 2024-132J | Alt Name: Starlink 31656
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 28, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60286
International Designator
2024-132J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:17:38 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
158.17°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
66.69°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-31656
Alternative Name
Starlink 31656
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60286U 24132J 26200.88725009 -.00001136 00000+0 -26248-4 0 9991
2 60286 53.1595 158.1651 0001147 66.6877 293.4244 15.30191135111800
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-31656 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-132J) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration spacecraft manufactured by SPXS in the US, designed for communication purposes. Launched on July 28, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication. Its dry mass is 700 kg, while its launch mass was 730 kg, powered by solar arrays and batteries. It uses Argon ion thrusters as motors and has a shape described as "Box + pan."
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 10-4-09
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.
X Report 29 May 2025
SpaceX made strides in both Starship and Starlink missions this week, launching another round of satellites while concurrently testing their Starship capabilities amidst challenges.
X Report 28 Mar 2025
SpaceX sees another successful Starlink launch and faces strategic contract discussions as NASA pivots to reliable Dragon missions.
Space Brief 17 Oct 2024
An exciting day in space with potential maneuver revelations from the X-37B, SpaceX's resumption of Falcon 9 launches, and significant advancements in lunar exploration tied to new U.S. spacesuits.
SpaceX Hits 600th Falcon 9 Launch, NASA SLS Leak Tests Struggle | KeepTrack Space Brief
SpaceX reaches 600th Falcon 9 launch with Starlink 17-13 from Vandenberg. NASA SLS hydrogen leak repairs only partially successful. New book explores forces shaping space.
Space Brief 14 Jul 2025
Today's briefing covers the latest developments in satellite intelligence funding, new mandates affecting space launch and missile defense, and the early conclusion of a private astronaut mission. We also discuss Firefly Aerospace's plans to go public and stunning imagery from NASA's Parker Solar Probe.
Starship V3 Static Fire Sets Up Flight 12, X Report 16 Apr 2026
Starship V3 completes its first full-duration static fire in April 2026, with Flight 12 targeting May. Dual Falcon 9s push Starlink to 10,242 working.
Space Brief 1 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers advances in satellite docking technology, challenges faced by space companies with government navigation, and China's leap in space autonomy through AI developments.