Space Brief 23 Dec 2025
Today's briefing covers the Long March 12A's first launch, a major advance in space radio communication, and highlights from key military developments impacting space operations.
STARLINK-32617 (62076)
COSPAR: 2024-217V | Alt Name: Starlink 32617
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62076
International Designator
2024-217V
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:25:59 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
53.16°
Right Ascension
284.31°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
112.14°
Period
93.85 min
Mean Motion
15.34 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-32617
Alternative Name
Starlink 32617
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62076U 24217V 26201.26805071 .00006964 00000+0 21702-3 0 9996
2 62076 53.1566 284.3104 0001855 112.1377 247.9823 15.34406426 93914
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 62076 and OBJECT_ID 2024-217V is a Starlink V2M spacecraft launched on November 24, 2024. It was deployed from the AFWTR launch site at SLC4E using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, reflecting its box + pan shape. At launch, it weighed 730 kilograms with a dry mass of 700 kilograms. It is owned by SPXS (SpaceX) and is part of the Starlink Group 9-13-20 payload mission. The satellite's construction and operations are managed by SpaceX as well.
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 9-13-20
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
Unknown
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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