China's Shenlong Deploys Six Objects
Details on China's current Shenlong spaceplane mission and its recent deployment of six objects.
STARLINK-32238 (61661)
COSPAR: 2024-193A | Alt Name: Starlink 32238
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 26, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61661
International Designator
2024-193A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:31:56 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
198.07°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
87.55°
Period
94.11 min
Mean Motion
15.30 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-32238
Alternative Name
Starlink 32238
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61661U 24193A 26200.68884722 .00001024 00000+0 46696-4 0 9995
2 61661 53.1589 198.0750 0001225 87.5522 272.5619 15.30197121 96739
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite designated as NORAD_CAT_ID 61661 and OBJECT_ID 2024-193A is a Starlink V2M model named STARLINK-32238 or Starlink 32238, manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on October 26, 2024, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR), specifically Launch Complex 40 (LC40), using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has a length of 0.3 meters, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. It weighs 700 kg dry and had a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes, it is powered by solar arrays and batteries and uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor. Its shape is described as "Box + pan."
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 10-8-01
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.
SpaceX Unveils Stargaze SSA System, Explores xAI Merger Ahead of IPO | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX unveils Stargaze space situational awareness system during 13th launch of January. Reports surface of SpaceX-xAI merger talks ahead of potential IPO. Dual-coast Starlink launches from CA and FL.
User-Inspired Update
A user suggestion led to the addition of new visualizations for satellites, debris, and unidentified objects across different orbits in KeepTrack.
X Report 9 Jun 2025
Tensions between SpaceX and the U.S. government escalate as President Trump's threats could have significant implications on the company's operations and future plans. Meanwhile, India takes a significant step in its space endeavors with a historic astronaut launch.
Space Brief 23 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Long March 12A's first launch, a major advance in space radio communication, and highlights from key military developments impacting space operations.
X Report 14 Apr 2025
SpaceX sets a new reuse record with Falcon 9's 27th flight, continuing its Starlink deployment while facing challenges with Starship development.
Space Brief 21 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's new rocket-reuse record with a spy satellite launch, Space Force's funding strategies, and a European defense summit addressing security concerns.
The Day We Banned the Word "Film"
On January 20, 1972, the second KH-9 HEXAGON lifted off from Vandenberg - carrying the most sophisticated reconnaissance system ever built by engineers who weren't allowed to say 'film,' 'camera,' or even talk to each other about what they were doing.