Space Brief 14 Dec 2024
Today’s Space Brief covers significant developments such as SpaceX’s latest Starlink launch, the US Space Force testing modular satellite technology, and key long-range missile tests by the Pentagon.
STARLINK-32327 (61641)
COSPAR: 2024-191W | Alt Name: Starlink 32327
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61641
International Designator
2024-191W
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:43:07 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
126.00°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.52°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 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-32327
Alternative Name
Starlink 32327
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61641U 24191W 26201.19660883 .00000208 00000+0 17066-4 0 9990
2 61641 43.0019 125.9957 0001213 266.5160 93.5553 15.27583225 97802
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 61641 and OBJECT_ID 2024-191W is a Starlink V2M spacecraft, part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on October 23, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. It measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and spans 29 meters. The satellite is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, an optical inter-satellite link, Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, solar arrays, and batteries for power generation. Its primary mission is communication as part of the Starlink Group 6-61-21 constellation.
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 6-61-21
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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