Space Brief 12 Nov 2025
Today's brief covers China's ongoing assessments following a potential debris strike on Shenzhou-20, SpaceX's record-breaking Starlink launch, Rocket Lab's delay of the Neutron rocket, and more.
STARLINK-32474 (61260)
COSPAR: 2024-175T | Alt Name: Starlink 32474
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61260
International Designator
2024-175T
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:45:09 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
296.77°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
78.55°
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-32474
Alternative Name
Starlink 32474
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61260U 24175T 26201.28136095 -.00000161 00000+0 63647-5 0 9998
2 61260 53.1581 296.7721 0001116 78.5541 281.5587 15.34399650101770
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-32474 satellite, also known as Starlink 32474, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration under the ownership of SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on September 25, 2024, from AFWTR SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kilograms, and it weighs 730 kilograms at launch. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses argon ion thrusters as its motor and is powered by solar arrays and batteries.
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 9-8-18
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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