Space Brief 26 Aug 2024
Today's briefing covers an exciting new satellite launch, a significant reentry, and unexpected space debris from a fragmentation event.
STARLINK-11243 [DTC] (60927)
COSPAR: 2024-155D | Alt Name: Starlink 11243
Image
![STARLINK-11243 [DTC] Satellite Image](/images/sat/starlink.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60927
International Designator
2024-155D
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:45:16 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
50.01°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
73.35°
Period
91.74 min
Mean Motion
15.70 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-11243 [DTC]
Alternative Name
Starlink 11243
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60927U 24155D 26200.82310881 -.00000551 00000+0 31139-6 0 9996
2 60927 53.1591 50.0140 0000911 73.3533 286.7585 15.69707644109151
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-11243 [DTC] satellite, also known as Starlink 11243, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX). Launched on August 31, 2024, from AFWTR (Cape Canaveral Space Force Station), specifically SLC-4E, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans up to 29 meters with its solar arrays. It weighs approximately 730 kilograms at launch, reducing to a dry mass of 700 kilograms once operational. The satellite is equipped with D2C payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while it uses Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system.
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 9-5-04
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Starlink v2 Mini
Motor
Argon ion thrusters
Equipment
D2C 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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
The Day That Changed How We Navigate Forever
Forty-seven years ago, an Atlas rocket carried the first GPS satellite into orbit, launching a revolution in navigation that would transform daily life across the globe
Starlink Update: March 2024
As of March 2024, SpaceX's Starlink has made remarkable strides in its quest to provide global broadband internet access. With an astounding number of satellites already in orbit and ambitious plans for expansion, Starlink is on track to dominate Earth's orbit in the coming years.
Space Brief 2 Dec 2025
Today's brief covers China's classified Shijian-28 satellite launch, AI-designed spacecraft records, and upcoming global launch activities.
The Day America's Moon Rocket Began Its Journey
Fifty-nine years ago, a revolutionary new rocket thundered skyward from Cape Kennedy, testing the spacecraft that would eventually carry astronauts to the lunar surface
X Report 27 Jul 2025
SpaceX's rapid advancements continued this weekend with two consecutive Starlink missions and preparations for the upcoming Crew-11 launch, showcasing its efficiency and commitment to expanding satellite broadband coverage.
Vandenberg Set to Overtake All Sites as SpaceX Pivots from Falcon 9 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX shifts launch priorities to Vandenberg as Falcon 9 era winds down, while Anthropic signs orbital data center deal with the company.
1 Million AI Data Centers in Orbit Threaten Astronomy | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX's proposed 1-million-satellite AI data center constellation alarms astronomers as Falcon 9 logs its 25th Starlink launch of 2026.