Space Brief 14 Feb 2025
Key developments include Redwire's contract for a US Space Force mission, UK's steps toward its first orbital launch, and a detailed military satellite spotlight.
STARLINK-32613 (61970)
COSPAR: 2024-210M | Alt Name: Starlink 32613
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 14, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
61970
International Designator
2024-210M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 22:47:52 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
153.21°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
254.14°
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-32613
Alternative Name
Starlink 32613
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 61970U 24210M 26200.94990889 .00005214 00000+0 19884-3 0 9992
2 61970 42.9983 153.2101 0000984 254.1379 105.9364 15.27583725 95147
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-32613, also known as Starlink 32613, is a communication spacecraft belonging to the Starlink Group 6-68-12 constellation. It was launched on November 14, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite features a configuration known as Starlink v2 Mini with dimensions including a length of 0.3 meters, diameter of 4.1 meters, and span of 29 meters. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. Equipped with an Argon ion thruster for propulsion, it uses solar arrays and batteries for power. The payload consists of Ku/Ka/E-band equipment along with optical inter-satellite link technology. Manufactured by SPXS (SpaceX), this satellite is used for communication purposes in a box + pan shape configuration.
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 6-68-12
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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