Space Brief 29 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers developments in space traffic management, the X-37B spaceplane's upcoming mission, and satellite interference with radio telescopes.
STARLINK-32397 (61593)
COSPAR: 2024-187V | Alt Name: Starlink 32397
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 18, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61593
International Designator
2024-187V
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 05:08:11 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
169.64°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
79.22°
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-32397
Alternative Name
Starlink 32397
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61593U 24187V 26200.21402442 .00000465 00000+0 24900-4 0 9998
2 61593 53.1586 169.6399 0001384 79.2160 280.8999 15.34389409 99287
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-32397 satellite, also known as Starlink 32397, is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on October 18, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload capabilities and an optical inter-satellite link, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The satellite is propelled by Argon ion thrusters and features a box plus pan shape for its design. It became stable on October 19, 2024, at 03:51 UTC.
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 8-19-20
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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