Space Brief 30 Oct 2025
Today's brief explores rising investments in space with defense ties, potential Space Force-NRO coordination, and more, offering insight into current military and defense satellite dynamics.
STARLINK-32161 (60593)
COSPAR: 2024-150L | Alt Name: Starlink 32161
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 20, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60593
International Designator
2024-150L
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:48:44 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
50.57°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
84.66°
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-32161
Alternative Name
Starlink 32161
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60593U 24150L 26200.86718491 .00000410 00000+0 23260-4 0 9990
2 60593 53.1610 50.5746 0001222 84.6613 275.4529 15.34392237108230
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-32161 satellite, also known as Starlink 32161, is a communication satellite manufactured by SPXS and launched on August 20, 2024, from the LC40 launch pad at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It operates under the configuration of Starlink v2 Mini with equipment including Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when its solar arrays are deployed. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and it was launched with a total mass of 730 kg. It features Argon ion thrusters for propulsion and employs solar arrays and batteries for power generation. The satellite's shape can be described as box-like with a pan design.
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 10-5-11
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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