2 Starshield Sats Fly on Rare Public Mission | KeepTrack X Report
SpaceX publicly confirmed 2 Starshield government satellites launched from Vandenberg on June 6, a rare disclosure for the classified Starlink variant.
STARLINK-33556 (62109)
COSPAR: 2024-220X | Alt Name: Starlink 33556
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 25, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62109
International Designator
2024-220X
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 15:21:59 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
180.15°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
267.59°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
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-33556
Alternative Name
Starlink 33556
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62109U 24220X 26200.64027257 .00005984 00000+0 22675-3 0 9991
2 62109 42.9984 180.1545 0000916 267.5941 92.4806 15.27584638 93392
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-33556 (also known as Starlink 33556) is a Starlink V2MO unit launched by SpaceX (SPXS) on November 25, 2024, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station LC40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, indicating it likely includes deployable solar panels or antennas. The satellite has a dry mass of 500 kilograms and a launch mass of 530 kilograms. Its shape is described as "Box + pan," suggesting a box-shaped body with additional components such as solar panels or communication arrays attached. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 12-1-22 payload and was launched for SpaceX, maintaining its ownership. Additional details regarding its purpose, power system, and mission specifics are not provided in the data set.
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
500
Launch Mass
530
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 12-1-22
Purpose
Unknown
Mission
Unknown
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2MO
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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