Space Brief 28 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers China's Gaofen-14 satellite launch, Europe's advancements in asteroid defense through GomSpace, and Russia's controversial Burevestnik missile test.
STARLINK-32279 (61003)
COSPAR: 2024-158P | Alt Name: Starlink 32279
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
September 5, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61003
International Designator
2024-158P
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:26:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
171.23°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
87.32°
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-32279
Alternative Name
Starlink 32279
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61003U 24158P 26200.64371632 -.00000106 00000+0 80026-5 0 9990
2 61003 53.1592 171.2303 0001444 87.3227 272.7941 15.34392690105871
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-32279 is a Starlink v2 Mini communication satellite, manufactured by SPXS and owned by SPXS. Launched on September 5, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, the satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, batteries for power storage, and Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The shape of the satellite is described as Box + pan, and it is part of the Starlink Group 8-11-14 mission dedicated to 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 8-11-14
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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