Space Brief 13 Jan 2025
Today's brief covers Blue Origin's launch delay, SpaceX's upcoming Starlink mission, and highlights the YAOGAN-43 O1C satellite.
STARLINK-32487 (61963)
COSPAR: 2024-210E | Alt Name: Starlink 32487
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 14, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61963
International Designator
2024-210E
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:47:48 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
153.44°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
258.84°
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-32487
Alternative Name
Starlink 32487
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61963U 24210E 26200.86652808 .00007442 00000+0 27963-3 0 9993
2 61963 43.0004 153.4444 0001581 258.8427 101.2247 15.27584787 95122
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 61963 and OBJECT ID 2024-210E is a Starlink V2M variant known as the "Starlink v2 Mini." It was launched on November 14, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg, and it was launched with a mass of 730 kg. It is equipped with Ku/Ka/E-band payload systems and an optical inter-satellite link for communication purposes. The satellite uses Argon ion thrusters as its motor system and relies on solar arrays and batteries for power. It belongs to SpaceX (SPXS) and operates under the Starlink Group 6-68-05 mission.
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 6-68-05
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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