Space Brief 21 Jan 2025
Today's Space Brief highlights a SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites, international efforts to tackle space debris, and innovative lunar power solutions from China.
STARLINK-32466 (61859)
COSPAR: 2024-202Q | Alt Name: Starlink 32466
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 7, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61859
International Designator
2024-202Q
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 17:53:01 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
212.22°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
284.19°
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-32466
Alternative Name
Starlink 32466
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61859U 24202Q 26200.74515573 .00000242 00000+0 18312-4 0 9992
2 61859 43.0027 212.2238 0001450 284.1867 75.8824 15.27575215 95539
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-32466 satellite, also known as Starlink 32466, was launched on November 7, 2024, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) at Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It is part of SpaceX's Starlink v2 Mini configuration and belongs to the Starlink Group 6-77-15 payload group. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. Its dry mass is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries, while it uses Argon ion thrusters for propulsion. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan" and its mission is to provide communication services.
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 6-77-15
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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