Space Brief 19 Dec 2025
Today's brief highlights significant developments in space defense, innovation fund challenges, and international defense agreements impacting satellite utilities.
STARLINK-32657 (62475)
COSPAR: 2024-254P | Alt Name: Starlink 32657
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 31, 2024
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC39A
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62475
International Designator
2024-254P
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 18:17:23 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
353.80°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
336.25°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Explore in the Catalog
Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-32657
Alternative Name
Starlink 32657
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 62475U 24254P 26200.76207876 .00009385 00000+0 35010-3 0 9990
2 62475 42.9981 353.7954 0000312 336.2492 23.8345 15.27582929 87662
Source: Celestrak
Summary
STARLINK-32657 is a Starlink V2M satellite owned and operated by SpaceX (SPXS). Launched on December 31, 2024, from LC39A at AFETR using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, this satellite has dimensions of approximately 0.3 meters in length, 4.1 meters in diameter, and a span of 29 meters. It weighs 700 kilograms dry and had an initial launch mass of 730 kilograms. The satellite's shape is described as "Box + pan," with no specified mission or equipment details provided beyond its inclusion in the Starlink Group 12-6-14 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
700
Launch Mass
730
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 12-6-14
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
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
Who Owns the Most Satellites Orbiting Earth?
Uncover the top companies dominating the satellite industry. From SpaceX to One Web, learn who's leading in space assets. Full list inside.
X Report 1 Apr 2025
SpaceX launches its first crewed mission over Earth's poles and FAA concludes investigation into the Starship Flight 7 incident.
Space Brief 11 Apr 2025
Today's brief covers Millennium's milestone in missile defense, new satellite jammer for Space Force, budget increases for defense, delays in MEO satellite contracts, and potential impacts of Trump's latest order on Pentagon programs.
Space Brief 9 Jan 2025
Today's briefing includes new appointments in U.S. military and defense sectors, X-37B's continued mission, and international policy shifts affecting satellite technology sales.
X Report 28 Jan 2025
SpaceX successfully launches 21 Starlink satellites, nearing milestone of 7,000 in orbit. Boeing and Airbus consider divesting from space, impacting industry dynamics.
Kratos Wins $446M Space Force Missile-Warning Contract | KeepTrack Space Brief
Kratos Defense awarded $446M Space Force contract for RMWT missile-warning ground systems. Rocket Lab secures $190M Pentagon deal for 20 hypersonic test flights.
Space Brief 1 May 2025
Today's space brief covers NASA's shift to private companies for astronaut rescue, EU's potential collaboration with SES for satellite services, and notable military contract allocations. Plus, a satellite spotlight on LEMUR-2-KADI.