Space Brief 25 Nov 2025
Today's briefing covers Chinese satellite launches, military defense strategies in space, increasing launch activity at the Space Coast, and potential rivals to SpaceX's Starlink.
STARLINK-32598 (62046)
COSPAR: 2024-216Q | Alt Name: Starlink 32598
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 21, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62046
International Designator
2024-216Q
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 01:09:05 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
228.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
258.08°
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-32598
Alternative Name
Starlink 32598
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62046U 24216Q 26201.04798093 .00006616 00000+0 24957-3 0 9992
2 62046 42.9991 228.3537 0001006 258.0763 101.9976 15.27597475 94123
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-32598 satellite, also known as Starlink 32598, is a communication satellite belonging to SpaceX's Starlink v2 Mini configuration. Launched on November 21, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (LC40) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite measures 0.3 meters in length and has a diameter of 4.1 meters with a span of 29 meters. It carries a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link for data transmission. The dry mass is recorded at 700 kilograms, while the launch mass was 730 kilograms. Power generation relies on solar arrays and batteries, with propulsion provided by Argon ion thrusters.
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 6-66-15
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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