X Report 25 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites successfully, while Starbase inches closer to city status and business discussions intensify.
STARLINK-32423 (61218)
COSPAR: 2024-171U | Alt Name: Starlink 32423
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61218
International Designator
2024-171U
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:49:06 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
68.37°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
92.33°
Period
94.01 min
Mean Motion
15.32 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-32423
Alternative Name
Starlink 32423
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61218U 24171U 26200.82576752 -.00000947 00000+0 -18751-4 0 9992
2 61218 53.1604 68.3687 0001106 92.3302 267.7826 15.31698026103513
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite, designated STARLINK-32423 or Starlink 32423, was launched on September 20, 2024, from SLC4E at AFWTR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. With dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters, it has a span of 29 meters. The satellite features a Starlink v2 Mini configuration and is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and had a launch mass of 730 kilograms. The equipment includes solar arrays and batteries for power, along with Argon ion thrusters as its motor system. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), the satellite is part of the Starlink Group 9-17-19 mission, owned and operated by SpaceX to provide 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 9-17-19
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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