Space Brief 27 Oct 2024
Today's brief covers SpaceX's latest Starlink launch, updates on Crew-8's return, and preparations for the SLS Artemis II mission.
STARLINK-32015 (60111)
COSPAR: 2024-117W | Alt Name: Starlink 32015
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60111
International Designator
2024-117W
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:25:48 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
145.11°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
87.16°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-32015
Alternative Name
Starlink 32015
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60111U 24117W 26200.26792047 .00000193 00000+0 16852-4 0 9999
2 60111 53.1625 145.1077 0001118 87.1640 272.9490 15.34401396117047
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-32015 satellite, also known as Starlink 32015, is a communication satellite part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on June 23, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, and solar arrays for power, it uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan" and is part of the Starlink Group 10-2-21 mission, serving a communication purpose for SpaceX.
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 10-2-21
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 23 Feb 2025
SpaceX faces a setback with a Falcon 9 upper stage reentry issue, while NASA selects SpaceX for a new mission. Starlink expansions continue with multiple satellite launches.
X Report 17 Feb 2025
Key insights on Starship development challenges and latest Starlink satellite status.
Andøya Spaceport
Europe's Arctic gateway to orbit. How Norway's Andøya Spaceport is positioning itself as the continent's answer to launch congestion - and what the failed Isar Aerospace test flight means for the road ahead.
X Report 4 Jun 2025
SpaceX continues strong momentum in June with successful satellite launches, a new service from Telstra, and updates on upcoming missions. Key developments are shaping the future of both space travel and satellite communications.
Space Brief 21 Nov 2024
Today's brief covers influential space events including Space Force's interest in Starship, U.S. military constellation advancements, and technological developments in counter-drone capabilities.
Space Brief 6 Apr 2025
Today, we explore substantial U.S. defense contracts awarded for space launches, ESA's enigmatic Euclid images release, and SpaceX missions covering satellite launches and astronaut reentries.
X Report 19 Jun 2025
Today's report highlights a catastrophic failure during Starship preparations, significant advancements in Starlink services in Ukraine and India, and the successful launch of 28 Starlink satellites.