Space Brief 14 Feb 2025
Key developments include Redwire's contract for a US Space Force mission, UK's steps toward its first orbital launch, and a detailed military satellite spotlight.
STARLINK-32129 (60157)
COSPAR: 2024-120Y | Alt Name: Starlink 32129
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 27, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60157
International Designator
2024-120Y
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:42:04 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
63.85°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
89.25°
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-32129
Alternative Name
Starlink 32129
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60157U 24120Y 26200.98755009 .00003345 00000+0 11009-3 0 9999
2 60157 53.1599 63.8506 0001187 89.2471 270.8667 15.34402892116731
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-32129 is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink v2 Mini series and was launched on June 27, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures approximately 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters when fully deployed. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched at a mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays for power generation, and batteries for energy storage, the satellite utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The shape of the spacecraft is described as "Box + pan," and it operates in a communication mission under SpaceX ownership as part of the Starlink Group 10-3-23 constellation.
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 10-3-23
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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