Space Brief 23 Jan 2025
Today's briefing covers the U.S. Space Force's substantial investments in commercial satellite services, a strategic military shift, Chinese space station upgrades, and NASA's policy changes.
STARLINK-11166 [DTC] (60062)
COSPAR: 2024-113D | Alt Name: Starlink 11166
Image
![STARLINK-11166 [DTC] Satellite Image](/images/sat/starlink.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60062
International Designator
2024-113D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:27:55 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
261.09°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
82.18°
Period
91.74 min
Mean Motion
15.70 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-11166 [DTC]
Alternative Name
Starlink 11166
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60062U 24113D 26200.56105330 -.00000821 00000+0 -19195-5 0 9990
2 60062 53.1596 261.0924 0001058 82.1843 277.9295 15.69714077120279
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-11166 [DTC], or Starlink 11166, is a Starlink v2 Mini spacecraft (BUS: Starlink V2M) owned by SPXS and launched on June 19, 2024. It was deployed from SLC4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms with a launch mass of 730 kilograms. It features D2C payload and optical inter-satellite link equipment and uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite is equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation and has a box plus pan shape. Its mission focuses on 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.
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 9-1-04
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Starlink v2 Mini
Motor
Argon ion thrusters
Equipment
D2C 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.
How does Google Map's Satellite View Feature Work?
Learn which satellites take photos and why we can't get updates instantly.
X Report 11 Nov 2024
SpaceX to launch Koreasat-6A on a record-tying Falcon 9 flight, and 24 Starlink satellites later today.
Starship V3 Debuts on Flight 12 May 20 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's first Starship V3 launches May 20 on Flight 12, as Starlink's 10,354 active sats force a historic carrier alliance.
Four Raptors Fail, Starship 13 Scrubbed at T-0, X Report 18 Jul 2026
Four Raptor engines failed to ignite at T-0, scrubbing Starship Flight 13 on July 16; SpaceX now targets July 20 for next attempt.
The Civilian Space Traffic System America Almost Didn't Build
For nearly two decades, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force have been the world's unofficial civilian space traffic control system. The Department of Commerce's Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) is now taking over that job for commercial satellite operators - in stages, against persistent congressional pressure to kill the program, and with Department of Defense advocates pushing to make it happen before it is too late.
The Day Japan Joined the Geostationary Club
Forty-eight years ago, a pioneering satellite named Kiku 2 propelled Japan into the exclusive group of nations capable of operating satellites in geostationary orbit
Space Brief 1 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers an increase in Chinese satellite launches, the operational status of the Space Force's ATLAS software, and a significant fundraising event in the defense sector.