Space Brief 6 Dec 2025
Discover the latest developments in hypersonic missile production, defense innovation strategies, and satellite infrastructure resilience impacting military operations.
STARLINK-32438 (61722)
COSPAR: 2024-196R | Alt Name: Starlink 32438
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 30, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61722
International Designator
2024-196R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 11:01:50 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
208.40°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
86.85°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-32438
Alternative Name
Starlink 32438
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61722U 24196R 26200.45961574 .00000439 00000+0 24142-4 0 9993
2 61722 53.1592 208.3980 0001250 86.8531 273.2614 15.34387577 97342
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-32438 satellite, also known as Starlink 32438, is a communication satellite launched on October 30, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's LC40 pad using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters. It features a dry mass of 700 kilograms and was launched at a mass of 730 kilograms. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link, solar arrays, and batteries for power, it utilizes Argon ion thrusters as its propulsion system. The satellite is part of the Starlink v2 Mini configuration manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS) and operates within the Starlink Group 10-13-16 constellation for communication purposes.
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 10-13-16
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.
Starship V3 Targets May 19 on New Pad 2 | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX targets May 19 for Starship V3's debut from Launch Pad 2, while the FCC approves a $2.4B EchoStar spectrum deal for Starlink.
Space Brief 20 Oct 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights Innospace's upcoming orbital launch, SpaceX's record-setting Starlink mission, China's Thousand Sails constellation, Atomic-6's new space armor, and developments in SpaceX's West Coast facilities.
600th Falcon 9 Milestone Reached, Predawn President's Day Launch | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX celebrates 600th Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg. Predawn President's Day Starlink mission marks 10th Cape Canaveral launch of 2026. ISS crew boosted back to seven.
Sandhoo Takes Dual SDA Director, Missile Warning Role | KeepTrack Space Brief
Brig. Gen. Gursharan Sandhoo double-hatted as SDA director and Space Force missile warning PAE head as Pentagon consolidates LEO satellite programs under new acquisition structure.
X Report 26 Dec 2024
Launch of 21 new Starlink satellites, featuring cell phone connectivity, and updates on NASA and SpaceX collaborative missions.
X Report 4 Jul 2025
SpaceX continues to make strides in satellite deployment with a successful launch. The European Space Agency's new satellite enhances global atmospheric forecasting, showcasing the expanding role of launches in improving environmental monitoring.
Starbase Pad 2 Preps for Booster 19, Starlink Disrupts Russian Comms | KeepTrack X Report
Starbase Pad 2 passes water-cooled deck test ahead of Booster 19. Starlink restrictions disrupt Russian battlefield communications. California city weighs banning Musk companies.