Space Brief 24 May 2025
Today's key space events include a milestone Falcon booster landing, advances in US military satellite operations, and a new missile defense initiative.
STARLINK-32406 (61545)
COSPAR: 2024-184P | Alt Name: Starlink 32406
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61545
International Designator
2024-184P
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:43:41 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
117.74°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
106.80°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-32406
Alternative Name
Starlink 32406
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61545U 24184P 26201.07201220 .00000598 00000+0 28852-4 0 9995
2 61545 53.1604 117.7424 0001297 106.8036 253.3109 15.34394635 98790
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-32406 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-184P) is a Starlink v2 Mini configuration built by SPXS, designed for communication purposes. Launched on October 15, 2024, from the AFWTR SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket, it has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. The satellite's dry mass is 700 kg and its launch mass was 730 kg. It operates on solar arrays and batteries for power and uses Argon ion thrusters as motors, equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication.
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 9-7-14
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Space Force Opens Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg Pads to New Launch Providers | KeepTrack Space Brief
Space Force issues call for launch providers at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg. Vandenberg opens Space Launch Complex 14 bidding with Feb 12 deadline. Electra pitches hybrid aircraft to Pentagon.
Mike Melvill, 124 Meters, and the Morning Space Went Private
On 21 June 2004, a 63-year-old test pilot rode a homebuilt rocket plane to 100,124 meters above the Mojave Desert, clearing the edge of space by about the length of a city block. He came down the first private astronaut in history, holding a sign that read 'SpaceShipOne, GovernmentZero.'
Space Brief 24 Sep 2025
Key highlights on China's reusable rocket developments, U.S. military's Tranche 1 satellite launch, Space Force's weapons acquisition strategies, and more.
Space Brief 13 May 2025
China expands its classified satellite series, Space Force advances cloud-based ground station marketplaces, and the Pentagon grows its satellite network partner list. Highlighting new roles for sensor technology in tracking space debris.
X Report 21 Dec 2024
SpaceX prepares for Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission launch, while FAA updates license for Starship's next flight; Crew Dragon mission faces delays.
Space Brief 28 Aug 2024
A Falcon 9 booster fails to land, increasing GPS and PNT significance for national security, and NASA's SLS mobile launch platform costs soar.
X Report 29 May 2025
SpaceX made strides in both Starship and Starlink missions this week, launching another round of satellites while concurrently testing their Starship capabilities amidst challenges.