Space Brief 14 May 2025
Today's edition covers China's latest launches in their classified satellite programs, ongoing discussions in the U.S. Senate on missile defense, and the ever-escalating space debris crisis threatening national security.
STARLINK-32614 (62428)
COSPAR: 2024-249V | Alt Name: Starlink 32614
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 23, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62428
International Designator
2024-249V
Epoch
Mon, 20 Jul 2026 07:17:49 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
293.06°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
265.64°
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-32614
Alternative Name
Starlink 32614
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62428U 24249V 26201.30404251 .00009309 00000+0 34734-3 0 9997
2 62428 43.0004 293.0638 0001207 265.6399 94.4315 15.27583829 88008
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The satellite STARLINK-32614 (OBJECT_ID: 2024-249V) is a Starlink V2M spacecraft owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). It was launched on December 23, 2024, from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The satellite has dimensions of 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and spans 29 meters when deployed. It weighs 730 kilograms at launch and has a dry mass of 700 kilograms. Its shape is described as "Box + pan". The spacecraft is part of the Starlink Group 12-2-20 payload, with its stable date recorded on December 23, 2024, at 06:40 UTC+5.
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 12-2-20
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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