Space Brief 16 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers China's Tianzhou-9 launch to the Tiangong space station, the U.S. Space Force's unfunded MILNET project, and the evolving use of AI in military applications.
STARLINK-32302 (61621)
COSPAR: 2024-191A | Alt Name: Starlink 32302
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61621
International Designator
2024-191A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:08:56 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
128.17°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
273.52°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-32302
Alternative Name
Starlink 32302
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61621U 24191A 26200.79787244 .00000538 00000+0 29069-4 0 9996
2 61621 43.0032 128.1683 0001206 273.5241 86.5473 15.27578225 98499
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-32302, also known as Starlink 32302, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. It was launched on October 23, 2024, from Launch Complex 40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and 730 kilograms at launch. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, and solar arrays with batteries for power supply, it is part of the Starlink Group 6-61-01 mission managed by SpaceX (SPXS).
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 6-61-01
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.
Artemis 2 Targets April 1 Lunar Flyby with 4-Person Crew | KeepTrack Space Brief
NASA's Artemis 2 launches April 1 with Commander Reid Wiseman and 3 crew members for first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972.
$4.16B Golden Dome Contract Awarded to SpaceX | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX wins a $4.16B Pentagon contract for missile-tracking satellites, while hitting its 50th Starlink launch of 2026 in a landmark May.
X Report 7 Nov 2025
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites while EchoStar enhances its stake in the company through a $2.6 billion spectrum deal, amid growing demands for space domain awareness.
SpaceX IPO Day 1: Falcon 9 Flies, Musk Eyes $1T | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX surged 19% on Nasdaq debut as Falcon 9 B1093 deployed 24 Starlink satellites — the 1,500th launched in 2026 — while Dragon CRS-34 heads home.
X Report 5 Dec 2024
SpaceX achieves new milestones with Starlink launches, and Elon Musk's influence is a point of discussion. Telesat makes strides amid Starlink's growing dominance.
Space Brief 21 Jun 2025
Today's brief highlights a Pentagon satellite network challenge, the expanding use of AI in military strategy, and advancements in commercial launch vehicle production.
Space Situational Awareness (SSA)
How our ability to track and predict objects in orbit has become the foundation of space safety in an increasingly crowded cosmic neighborhood