Space Brief 3 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers the recent surge in SpaceX launches, Eutelsat's resolution of a OneWeb software issue, and various strategic previews for U.S. military branches in 2025.
STARLINK-32402 (61708)
COSPAR: 2024-196B | Alt Name: Starlink 32402
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 30, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61708
International Designator
2024-196B
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:25:28 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
208.25°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
78.56°
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-32402
Alternative Name
Starlink 32402
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61708U 24196B 26200.43436338 -.00000004 00000+0 11008-4 0 9996
2 61708 53.1592 208.2479 0001092 78.5618 281.5508 15.34390948 97346
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-32402 satellite, also known as Starlink 32402, is a communication satellite under the Starlink v2 Mini configuration operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on October 30, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station 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 approximately 700 kg when dry and 730 kg at launch. Equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, and Argon ion thrusters for propulsion, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power supply.
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 10-13-02
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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