Space Brief 1 Oct 2025
Today's brief covers an increase in Chinese satellite launches, the operational status of the Space Force's ATLAS software, and a significant fundraising event in the defense sector.
STARLINK-32688 (62193)
COSPAR: 2024-229B | Alt Name: Starlink 32688
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 4, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62193
International Designator
2024-229B
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:22:14 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
242.54°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
211.00°
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-32688
Alternative Name
Starlink 32688
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62193U 24229B 26201.18210933 .00011427 00000+0 42406-3 0 9991
2 62193 43.0012 242.5373 0001224 211.0009 149.0771 15.27586387 90821
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite designated STARLINK-32688 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-229B) is a Starlink V2M model manufactured by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on December 4, 2024, from LC40 at the AFEAF launch site using a Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length and 4.1 meters in diameter with a span of 29 meters, indicative of its solar panel deployment. At launch, it had a mass of 730 kilograms, reducing to a dry mass of 700 kilograms after accounting for any propellants or other consumables. The satellite is part of the Starlink Group 6-70-02 payload and has a box plus pan shape according to its design configuration. It was successfully stabilized in orbit on December 4, 2024, at 1118:27.
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 6-70-02
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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