Space Brief 12 Jul 2025
Today's focus spans from major military training initiatives in orbit to key updates on drone policies and crucial satellite launches.
STARLINK-32162 (60597)
COSPAR: 2024-150Q | Alt Name: Starlink 32162
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 20, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60597
International Designator
2024-150Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:57:16 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
52.80°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
88.23°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 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-32162
Alternative Name
Starlink 32162
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60597U 24150Q 26200.99810895 .00001000 00000+0 45896-4 0 9994
2 60597 53.1611 52.8034 0001425 88.2321 271.8843 15.30199211108299
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-32162 is a Starlink v2 Mini satellite, part of the Starlink Group 10-5-15 communication constellation, launched on August 20, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 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 weighs 730 kilograms at launch and 700 kilograms dry mass, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link, it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), the satellite is owned by SpaceX and operates in a communication 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 10-5-15
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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