Space Brief 24 Oct 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights SpaceX Crew-8's return, Intelsat-33e satellite breakup, SpaceX's upcoming Starship tests, and notable launches including China's new mega-constellation.
STARLINK-11291 [DTC] (61208)
COSPAR: 2024-171J | Alt Name: Starlink 11291
Image
![STARLINK-11291 [DTC] Satellite Image](/images/sat/starlink.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61208
International Designator
2024-171J
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 13:22:35 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
245.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
101.19°
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-11291 [DTC]
Alternative Name
Starlink 11291
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61208U 24171J 26200.55735458 -.00000349 00000+0 19766-5 0 9994
2 61208 53.1588 245.9339 0000923 101.1931 258.9190 15.69706891105118
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-11291 [DTC], also known as Starlink 11291, is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration spacecraft manufactured by SPXS for communication purposes. It was launched on September 20, 2024, from the AFWTR launch site using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SLC4E pad. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and 700 kilograms dry, equipped with D2C payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. The satellite's shape resembles a box with a pan design, owned by SPXS and part of the Starlink Group 9-17-09 constellation mission.
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 9-17-09
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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