Space Brief 28 Feb 2025
Today's brief covers defense industry dynamics, advancements in quantum sensor technology, and geopolitical challenges impacting military space operations.
STARLINK-11461 [DTC] (62421)
COSPAR: 2024-249N | Alt Name: Starlink 11461
Image
![STARLINK-11461 [DTC] Satellite Image](/images/sat/starlink.jpg)
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62421
International Designator
2024-249N
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 09:30:10 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
93.86°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
299.28°
Period
91.67 min
Mean Motion
15.71 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-11461 [DTC]
Alternative Name
Starlink 11461
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62421U 24249N 26200.39596050 .00165980 00000+0 12696-2 0 9997
2 62421 42.9990 93.8574 0000784 299.2838 60.7951 15.70872224 90191
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The STARLINK-11461 [DTC], also known as Starlink 11461, is a satellite belonging to the Starlink V2M bus series and part of the Starlink Group 12-2-13 payload. Launched on December 23, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR (Air Force Eastern Test Range) using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, it has a dry mass of 700 kg and a launch mass of 730 kg. The satellite measures 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and has a span of 29 meters. It is owned by SPXS (SpaceX) and has a box plus panel shape design.
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 12-2-13
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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