Space Brief 1 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers advances in satellite docking technology, challenges faced by space companies with government navigation, and China's leap in space autonomy through AI developments.
STARLINK-32472 (61846)
COSPAR: 2024-202B | Alt Name: Starlink 32472
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 7, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61846
International Designator
2024-202B
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:07:02 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
199.81°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
274.05°
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-32472
Alternative Name
Starlink 32472
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61846U 24202B 26201.04655826 .00000147 00000+0 14859-4 0 9994
2 61846 43.0028 199.8058 0001162 274.0543 86.0176 15.27575324 95697
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-32472 is a Starlink V2M satellite, configured in the Starlink v2 Mini design, and was launched on November 7, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's LC40 launch pad using a Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and reduces to 700 kilograms once deployed. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. The mission's purpose is communication, utilizing Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), it was launched under the Starlink Group 6-77-02 payload and operates under the ownership of SpaceX.
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 6-77-02
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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