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-32020 (60201)
COSPAR: 2024-124U | Alt Name: Starlink 32020
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
July 3, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60201
International Designator
2024-124U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:57:20 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
67.16°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
89.19°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-32020
Alternative Name
Starlink 32020
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60201U 24124U 26200.99815457 -.00000667 00000+0 -97201-5 0 9994
2 60201 53.1611 67.1571 0001435 89.1892 270.9274 15.31708070114565
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-32020 satellite, also known as Starlink 32020, is a communication satellite developed by SPXS and launched on July 3, 2024, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has a configuration of Starlink v2 Mini with dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg, and it weighs 730 kg at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the STARLINK-32020 utilizes Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and solar arrays combined with batteries for power. Its primary purpose is to provide communication services as part of the Starlink Group 8-9-19 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 8-9-19
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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