The Day America Pioneered Polar Orbits
Sixty-six years ago, a Thor-Agena rocket thundered into the California sky carrying Discoverer 1, the first satellite attempt at polar orbit and the secret vanguard of Americas space reconnaissance program
STARLINK-11312 [DTC] (61689)
COSPAR: 2024-195C | Alt Name: Starlink 11312
Image
![STARLINK-11312 [DTC] Satellite Image](/images/sat/starlink.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61689
International Designator
2024-195C
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 00:22:06 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
94.18°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
104.85°
Period
91.74 min
Mean Motion
15.70 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-11312 [DTC]
Alternative Name
Starlink 11312
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61689U 24195C 26201.01535498 -.00000231 00000+0 29511-5 0 9996
2 61689 53.1601 94.1801 0001090 104.8473 255.2666 15.69708848 99813
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-11312 [DTC], also known as Starlink 11312, is a Starlink V2M spacecraft owned and operated by SPXS (SpaceX). It was launched on October 30, 2024, from AFWTR's SLC4E launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters, likely referring to its solar arrays or antennas. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and had an initial launch mass of 730 kilograms. Its shape is described as "Box + pan." The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 9-9-03 payload.
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 9-9-03
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
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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