Space Brief 18 Dec 2024
Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid response GPS launch, Raytheon's new rocket motor test, and Starlink's revenue surge. Plus, the Space Force's modernization push.
STARLINK-11487 [DTC] (62278)
COSPAR: 2024-237M | Alt Name: Starlink 11487
Image
![STARLINK-11487 [DTC] Satellite Image](/images/sat/starlink.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 8, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62278
International Designator
2024-237M
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:05:23 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
340.81°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
269.11°
Period
91.67 min
Mean Motion
15.71 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-11487 [DTC]
Alternative Name
Starlink 11487
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62278U 24237M 26200.79540590 .00115316 00000+0 88987-3 0 9991
2 62278 43.0002 340.8055 0001720 269.1144 90.9527 15.70836694 93821
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite named STARLINK-11487 [DTC], or Starlink 11487, is a Starlink V2M satellite manufactured by SPXS and owned by the same entity. It was launched on December 8, 2024, from LC40 at AFETR using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. Its dry mass is 700 kg with a launch mass of 730 kg. It was part of the Starlink Group 12-5-12 payload and has a box + pan shape.
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 12-5-12
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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