Space Brief 25 Feb 2025
Today's Space Brief covers imminent launches, new developments in space technology, and strategic military contributions to satellite defense systems.
STARLINK-32171 (60332)
COSPAR: 2024-136D | Alt Name: Starlink 32171
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 2, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60332
International Designator
2024-136D
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:32:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
179.13°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
97.44°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-32171
Alternative Name
Starlink 32171
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60332U 24136D 26201.27278094 .00002220 00000+0 83279-4 0 9998
2 60332 53.1597 179.1325 0001271 97.4378 262.6768 15.31705152109976
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-32171 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite (BUS: Starlink V2M) launched by SpaceX on August 2, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR 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 a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," and its primary purpose is communication as part of the Starlink Group 10-6-04 mission.
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 10-6-04
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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