Space Brief 27 Jul 2025
Busy activities in space: SpaceX's series of Starlink launches dominate the week, while Vega C successfully deploys Earth science satellites.
STARLINK-11209 [DTC] (61200)
COSPAR: 2024-171A | Alt Name: Starlink 11209
Image
![STARLINK-11209 [DTC] Satellite Image](/images/sat/starlink.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61200
International Designator
2024-171A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:25:50 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
244.95°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
80.87°
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-11209 [DTC]
Alternative Name
Starlink 11209
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61200U 24171A 26200.85127794 .00000141 00000+0 60212-5 0 9998
2 61200 53.1602 244.9488 0001251 80.8699 279.2461 15.69706938106064
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-11209 [DTC] is a Starlink V2M satellite, designated OBJECT_ID 2024-171A and part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on September 20, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this US-based communication satellite has a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. It carries a D2C payload with an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. The spacecraft has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg, powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system uses Argon ion thrusters, while the structure consists of a box shape with a pan configuration. It is owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS) as part of the Starlink Group 9-17-01 payload for communication purposes.
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 9-17-01
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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