Space Brief 27 Dec 2025
Today's Space Brief covers a notable satellite deployment in LEO, a leadership shift in Blue Origin's defense wing, and ongoing recovery efforts for NASA's MAVEN orbiter.
STARLINK-33544 (62281)
COSPAR: 2024-237Q | Alt Name: Starlink 33544
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 8, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62281
International Designator
2024-237Q
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 06:09:57 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
187.93°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
272.36°
Period
94.26 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-33544
Alternative Name
Starlink 33544
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62281U 24237Q 26201.25691913 .00015179 00000+0 55937-3 0 9998
2 62281 42.9990 187.9255 0001348 272.3589 87.7108 15.27615245 91462
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink-33544 satellite, also known as Starlink 33544, is a part of SpaceX's Starlink V2MO series launched on December 8, 2024, from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) at Launch Complex 40 using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. This satellite has a dry mass of 500 kg and a launch mass of 530 kg. Its dimensions include a length of 0.3 meters, a diameter of 4.1 meters, and a span of 29 meters. The shape is described as a box with panels. It is owned by SpaceX (SPXS) and belongs to the Starlink Group 12-5-15 payload.
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 12-5-15
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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