Space Brief 15 Jul 2025
Today's brief covers new military space funding, intriguing scientific discoveries, and defense contracts impacting global military strategies.
STARLINK-32316 (61860)
COSPAR: 2024-202R | Alt Name: Starlink 32316
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 7, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61860
International Designator
2024-202R
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:38:53 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
210.48°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
259.71°
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-32316
Alternative Name
Starlink 32316
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61860U 24202R 26200.40200409 .00000382 00000+0 23383-4 0 9995
2 61860 43.0008 210.4840 0000864 259.7133 100.3621 15.27577096 95517
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-32316 satellite, also known as Starlink 32316, is a communication satellite belonging to the Starlink v2 Mini configuration and part of the Starlink V2M series. It was launched on November 7, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 (LC40) aboard a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, indicating the presence of deployable components such as solar arrays or antennas. Its dry mass is 700 kg, while its launch mass was 730 kg. The satellite's payload includes Ku/Ka/E-band communication equipment and an optical inter-satellite link for data transfer. Power is provided by solar arrays and batteries. Propulsion is achieved through Argon ion thrusters. Manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS), the mission of STARLINK-32316 is to support global communication services as part of the Starlink Group 6-77-16 constellation.
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 6-77-16
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
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