Space Brief 8 Jan 2025
Today's highlights include China's launch of the Shijian-25 for on-orbit refueling tests, major Pentagon contracts for solid rocket motors and hypersonic testing, and the US Space Force's record-setting year of launches.
STARLINK-32003 (60097)
COSPAR: 2024-117G | Alt Name: Starlink 32003
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60097
International Designator
2024-117G
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 05:01:21 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
141.03°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
91.83°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
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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-32003
Alternative Name
Starlink 32003
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60097U 24117G 26201.20927345 .00000924 00000+0 38483-4 0 9994
2 60097 53.1609 141.0312 0001252 91.8300 268.2846 15.34396531117185
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-32003 satellite, also known as Starlink 32003, is a communication satellite manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and launched on June 23, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It operates under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration as part of the Starlink V2M bus system. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters, equipped with solar arrays and batteries for power generation. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms while its launch mass was 730 kilograms. It is fitted with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload along with an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes and uses Argon ion thrusters as propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as a box with a pan configuration.
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 10-2-07
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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