Space Brief 21 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's new rocket-reuse record with a spy satellite launch, Space Force's funding strategies, and a European defense summit addressing security concerns.
STARLINK-11246 [DTC] (60932)
COSPAR: 2024-155J | Alt Name: Starlink 11246
Image
![STARLINK-11246 [DTC] Satellite Image](/images/sat/starlink.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
60932
International Designator
2024-155J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 23:37:56 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
48.88°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
81.89°
Period
91.74 min
Mean Motion
15.70 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-11246 [DTC]
Alternative Name
Starlink 11246
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 60932U 24155J 26200.98468074 .00000454 00000+0 85988-5 0 9998
2 60932 53.1587 48.8762 0000904 81.8868 278.2253 15.69710775109184
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated as STARLINK-11246 [DTC] or Starlink 11246, was launched on August 31, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters, with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with a D2C payload and optical inter-satellite link, it operates for communication purposes using solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite is stabilized through Argon ion thrusters and has a shape described as "Box + pan." Manufactured by SPXS, the spacecraft's mission focuses on communication services.
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 9-5-09
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
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