Space Brief 6 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers a diverse range of topics, including reentry mission approvals, leadership changes in the Space Development Agency, and innovative military satellite communications.
STARLINK-32009 (60104)
COSPAR: 2024-117P | Alt Name: Starlink 32009
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60104
International Designator
2024-117P
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:23:26 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
142.77°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
91.67°
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-32009
Alternative Name
Starlink 32009
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60104U 24117P 26200.80794178 .00000608 00000+0 29145-4 0 9998
2 60104 53.1595 142.7664 0001281 91.6678 268.4471 15.34387081117124
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-32009 satellite, also known as Starlink 32009, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX (SPXS) and part of the Starlink v2 Mini constellation configuration. Launched on June 23, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. It measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters when fully deployed. The satellite is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its shape is described as box plus pan, and it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion.
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 10-2-14
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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