Space Brief 27 Dec 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.
STARLINK-11257 [DTC] (61201)
COSPAR: 2024-171B | Alt Name: Starlink 11257
Image
![STARLINK-11257 [DTC] Satellite Image](/images/sat/starlink.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61201
International Designator
2024-171B
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:25:29 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
243.65°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
95.38°
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-11257 [DTC]
Alternative Name
Starlink 11257
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61201U 24171B 26201.10103402 .00001224 00000+0 14955-4 0 9993
2 61201 53.1601 243.6523 0000977 95.3757 264.7372 15.69720789105193
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-11257 [DTC] satellite, also known as Starlink 11257, is a communication satellite launched on September 20, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. Part of the Starlink Group 9-17-02 mission, it operates under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and was manufactured by SPXS in the US. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters. The satellite weighs 730 kilograms at launch with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Equipped with D2C payload and optical inter-satellite link technology, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power and is propelled by Argon ion thrusters.
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 9-17-02
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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